:

The beginning of March is a great time to get started on outdoor spring-cleaning projects, but it is also a time when outdoor burning can get out of control quickly. Woody debris from downed tree branches, overgrown fencerows, and general yard work can create a lot of waste. Many townships and municipalities have events where small amounts of debris can be collected and shredded. That will not be an option if you are cleaning out a fence row. Burning may be the easiest option but be aware of the risks that come with open burning in the spring. Fires can ignite dead grass, leaves, or branches after winter. Due to this risk, there is a ban on open outdoor burning in Ohio for the months of March, April, May, October, and November between 6AM and 6PM. It is best to consult with your local zoning office for local ordinances regarding burning for further guidance.

Stay safe while burning. Select a safe burning location that is at least 1,000 feet from neighboring inhabited buildings. Clear all dead grass, wood, and other inflammable materials (other than the burn pile) from the area to prevent any potential fire spread. Take any reasonable precaution to keep the fire under control such as having water available, open soil barriers, and never leave the fire unattended. Fires should be extinguished or covered when finished.

You can read more about Ohio burning laws here: https://farmoffice.osu.edu/blog/thu-11302023-356pm/open-burning-restrictions-lift-december-1-don’t-get-burned-laws

More information on what is permissible to burn can be found here: https://epa.ohio.gov/static/Portals/47/facts/openburn.pdf

Lee Beers, ANR Extension Educator and Assistant Professor, OSU Extension Trumbull County, can be reached at: Beers.66@osu.edu

Providing an adequate supply of water for livestock is essential for success. Access to water prevents dehydration and maintains animal performance. This is often challenging during the winter months especially when utilizing water sources that have no electricity available.

When deciding which methods will work best for your facilities remember to keep fire and electrical safety in mind, especially when installing heaters or lamps. Adding insulation with straw/hay to a pump house or well will help conserve the heat; but will also attract rodents and hold moisture.

Ideas for decreasing water sources from freezing:

1. If electricity is available, use a submersible electric tank or bucket heater.
2. Underground pipes freezing because of fresh backfill or thin cover? Add insulation to the top of the ground by using straw/hay, leaves or even snow.
3. Liquid propane gas stock tank heaters are available for those without electricity nearby. These are a small propane burner encased in a hollow metal pipe.
4. Energy- free waters channel heat from the ground below and use insulation to keep the water warm.
5. Add insulation to the outside of a water tank even to the water surface to help conserve heat. Take extra care to protect the insulation from animal chewing, manure, and spilled water.
6. For a large stock tank without access to electricity an inexpensive alternative is a propane bubbler. The bubbles are not harmful to livestock. These bubbles carry warmer water from the bottom of the tank to surface and will maintain a small open hole in the ice.

When utilizing any of the above methods be sure to secure electric cords away from teeth, feet, and legs of livestock. Any extension cords used outdoors need to be labeled for outdoor use, follow all manufacturer guidelines on heaters, and be sure all electric heaters are properly grounded.

Sabrina Schirtzinger, ANR Educator Knox County, can be reached at 740-397-0401 or Schirtzinger.55@osu.edu.

Kent McGuire – OSU CFAES Safety and Health Coordinator

When the temperature starts to drop, portable electric space heaters can be a convenient source of supplemental heat. Unfortunately, they can pose significant fire and electric shock hazards if not used properly. When using a portable space heater, safety should always be a top consideration. The following information from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission can help keep your space safe and warm.

For more information about OSU Ag Safety visit http://www.agsafety.osu.edu or contact Kent McGuire, OSU Agricultural Safety & Health, at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 614-292-0588.

Lisa Pfeifer – OSU Ag Safety and Health Education Coordinator

Ohio temperatures have dipped into winter and climbed right back out into early spring over these last few weeks, but temps are forecasted to flatten out on the colder side throughout the next month and the heat is likely to stay on. With heating season comes the threat of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. It is key to remember you can’t smell, taste, or see carbon monoxide! To be alerted of CO, install a battery-operated CO detector and check or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state, “Although CO poisoning can be prevented, each year, approximately 438 people in the U.S. die as a result of unintentional, non-fire related exposure to this toxic gas.” The following infographic released for a government health campaign in Canada, highlights some important items to remember about carbon monoxide:

For additional information about Nonvented Portable Heaters, often used on the farm or in shop areas, find our factsheet at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79029.

Please visit https://agsafety.osu.edu/ for information about the OSU Agricultural Safety and Health Program or contact Lisa Pfeifer at pfeifer.6@osu.edu or 614-292-9455.

Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator, Ohio AgrAbility Project

Farmers spend hours every day sitting, standing, carrying, lifting, pushing and pulling. Add in cold weather and it is natural to hunch your shoulders and back, just trying to stay warm, and a stiff back and upper arms can be the result. Try this stretch when you are sitting or standing – you can even use a wall, pole or fencepost to give your back a good stretch.

Upper Back/Triceps Stretch (back of upper arm)

• • To do this exercise using a wall:
  • Start in an upright standing position
  • Place elbows on the wall at face height
  • Take one step back
  • Bending at the waist, fold forward with back straight until forehead touches the wall
  • Hold for 15-30 seconds

• • To do this exercise using a chair
  • Start in an upright standing position
  • Place elbows or hands (arms straight) on chair
  • Take one step back
  • Bending at the waist, fold forward with back straight until you feel slight tension in the upper backs and/or triceps
  • Hold for 15-30 seconds

• • To do this exercise using a pole/fencepost:
  • Start in an upright standing position
  • Place hands (arms straight) on top or around pole
  • Take one step back
  • Bending at the waist, fold forward with back straight until you feel slight tension in the upper backs and/or triceps
  • Hold for 15-30 seconds

Repeat these stretches throughout the day to keep your back and upper arms from getting stiff and sore.

Please do not do these stretches while you are driving or operating machinery.

For more information, please contact Laura Akgerman, Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension Disability Services Coordinator, at Akgerman.4@osu.edu, or 614-292-0622.

Dee Jepsen – Agricultural State Safety and Health Leader

National Rural Health Day is Thursday November 21, 2019. This day brings attention to the unique challenges the rural communities face when it comes to health services and healthy people. This year’s theme is Plug into the Power of Rural.

When it comes to health care services, 50% of Ohio counties are designated as Governor’s certified shortage areas. There are 44 counties, or regions within counties, considered underserved.

Rural communities do not see the same health advancements as urban counties. Within these areas residents face accessibility issues and an overall lack of providers. Access to ambulatory and emergency medical services are especially critical in rural America, where only 20% of the nation’s population lives but where the majority of trauma deaths occur. The opioid crisis can also affect rural communities’ need for first-responder services.

Rural residents are typically an aging population suffering from a greater number of chronic conditions. Another statistic about rural Americans is that a large percentage are uninsured or underinsured when it comes to health care.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates rural areas have a 50% higher rate of unintentional injuries than in urban areas. There are increased injuries from falls, motor vehicle crashes and drug overdoses.  

In Ohio, rural health care is a critical topic. The one-day celebration of National Rural Health Day allows individuals and organizations to rally behind the valuable services provided to the rural communities. Collectively these activities are designed to improve the quality of life for rural Americans and sustain our rural communities as wonderful places to live and work.

For more information about the OSU Ag Safety visit https://agsafety.osu.edu/ or contact Dee Jepsen, at jepsen.4@osu.edu or 614-292-6008.

Lisa Pfeifer – OSU Ag Safety and Health Education Coordinator

Protect yourself, employees, and family members by wearing the proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Find out more in our fact sheets on how to protect against dust and mold at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-79010, or respiratory diseases at https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-591105. Put a box of N-95s in the farm truck and shop so PPE is accessible when needed.

Please visit https://agsafety.osu.edu/ for information about the OSU Ag Safety and Health Program or contact Lisa Pfeifer, at pfeifer.6@osu.edu or 614-292-9455.

Laura Akgerman, Disability Services Coordinator, Ohio AgrAbility Project

The Ohio AgrAbility Program’s dual missions of education and assistance to farmers with disabilities were on display at the 2019 Farm Science Review September 17 - 19. Staff, farmers and vendors were on hand to answer questions, greet visitors, demonstrate assistive technology and equipment, and talk about Ohio AgrAbility.

OAP featured a new exhibit area in 2019 – Ohio AgrAbility: A Focus on Livestock, with adapted equipment and information posters detailing how modifications and Assistive Technology can help famers with and without disabilities farm safely. The equipment featured included an automated door from Propel Sliding  Door Automation which  opens and closes heavy and cumbersome doors with no effort, and no need to leave the vehicle. The doors can be installed on existing sliding doors, and the doors lock when closed. This benefits a farmer who has limited or no mobility, or difficulty climbing in and out of their vehicle to operate a door.

The PWR EZ systems power fold auger can be operated from the operator’s seat, and eliminates the need to climb onto the combine and into the grain bin to fold the fountain auger up or down. This increases safety for anyone operating the combine, and allows a farmer who cannot climb onto the combine to move the auger to continue working safely and independently.

The vendors displayed and demonstrated their products, answered questions, and worked with staff and farmers to problem solve issues that may limit the farmers productivity or ability to safely use and access their equipment and facilities.

For more information, please contact Laura Akgerman, Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Extension Disability Services Coordinator, at Akgerman.4@osu.edu, or 614-292-0622.

Dee Jepsen – State Agricultural Safety & Health Leader

October and November are two months in the fall where open burning is a fire concern for Ohio residents. It’s a good idea to know the type of fire permitted for your area.

The Ohio EPA determines the types of fires that are restricted inside and outside of a village or city. For the most part, open burning of residential and land-clearing wastes are not permitted within city limits. Restrictions do not apply to barbeques, campfires, cookouts, and bonfires (with wood stacks no larger than 2ft. high X 3ft. wide) – these types of fires are permitted.

Agricultural products, such as wastes and plant matter from tree trimmings, stumps, brush, weeds, leaves, grass, shrubbery and materials from crop or livestock production, are permitted to be burned with restrictions. Likewise burning of fence posts and scrap lumber (but not from buildings or land clearing waste) are also permitted. All open fires must be more than 1,000 feet from a neighbor’s home or inhabited building. 

Wastes that are never permitted to be burned include: garbage, dead animals, and products containing rubber, grease and asphalt. Fires cannot be near, or block vision of, roadways, railroads or airfields.

The months of October and November carry open burn restrictions. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, fires can become out of control due to windy and dry conditions. Because of these conditions, open burning is not permitted in rural areas from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. During the ban, fires must be in a plowed field with a 200 feet distance of woodlands or brush.

With any fire, small particulates are suspended in the smoke that could lead to health disorders. Open fire burning has been linked to asthma and respiratory illnesses. Household wastes contain various chemicals and these toxins can emit high levels of sulfur dioxide, lead and mercury. Airborne pollutants can lead to more severe health conditions such as nervous system damage, kidney and liver damage, and reproductive disorders.

For additional questions about Ohio’s open burning regulations, contact the Ohio EPA Division of Air Pollution Control at (614) 644-2270. Local EPA districts are also available to answer questions. Their website contains a complete list of agencies available in the state, http://epa.ohio.gov/dapc/general/openburning. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources website is http://forestry.ohiodnr.gov/burninglaws.

For more information about other Ag Safety topics visit https://agsafety.osu.edu or contact Dee Jepsen at jepsen.4@osu.edu or 614-292-6008.

Rachel Jarman – Ohio AgrAbility, Rural Rehabilitation Coordinator:

Using cameras to monitor equipment function has grown in popularity as well as affordability in recent years. Have you ever thought about how those cameras can do more than help you place every last kernel of corn in the semi from the grain cart? AgrAbility has assisted numerous clients who once suffered from back and neck pain, relieve strain by using cameras to provide additional views of equipment running. Imagine how you would feel if you did not have to turn to look how the tillage tool was pulling after every turn. A small monitor mounted in the cab accompanied by 1 or more cameras, depending on desired views, could save your back and neck from all the strain of twisting to check implements. There are many options for vendors of such cameras, including online and brick and mortar dealer sources. Cost of the camera systems vary due to options chosen, but prices have decreased making this more affordable to any size of operation. Different cameras and monitors are linked in this article. Ohio AgrAbility and OSU Ag Safety do not receive any benefit from the links, and do not endorse any particular product or retailer.

Camera Source: https://camera-source.com/agriculture-cams.html

Rosco: https://www.roscovision.com/industry-solutions/agriculture-market

For more information about this and other assistive technologies or Ohio AgrAbility visit https://agrability.osu.edu.

Kent McGuire – OSU CFAES Safety and Health Coordinator:

As we head into fall and look forward to harvest season, consider safety as part of your harvest planning process. It takes multiple pieces of equipment working simultaneously to have an efficient harvest season and no piece of equipment is more important than the combine.  It is important to keep safety in the forefront when operating or working around the combine and combine safety starts with the operator.  Combine operators should consider these guidelines during harvest:

For more information about the OSU Ag Safety visit https://agsafety.osu.edu/ or contact Kent McGuire, at mcguire.225@osu.edu or 614-292-0588.

Joseph Maiorano, PhD, Family and Consumer Sciences, OSU Extension, Harrison County 

Farming, as life, is neither easy nor predictable, and it does not ask our permission. We make mistakes, others treat us unfairly, and conditions don’t cooperate. When these adversities knock us from our groove, we may respond by raging, at ourselves, others, or conditions. Such reactions rob us, members of our family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers of a creative, fulfilling, and tranquil existence.

Based on his research, psychoanalyst Albert Ellis (1997, 2016) reminds us that people and events do not upset us. Rather, we upset ourselves by what we think, or believe, about those people and events. When we are upset, we may react with aggression, depression, anxiety, and/or feelings of worthlessness. If we change our thinking, or beliefs, about people and events, we may reduce our negative emotions, and respond more appropriately.

Irrational Thinking

When an unexpected event occurs, we choose to think rationally or irrationally about that event. Irrational thinking lacks logic and sound judgement. For example, after returning from a trip to purchase a fitting for your tractor, you realize that you bought the wrong part. If you react by insisting that you are stupid or demand that this mistake should not have happened, then you are thinking irrationally. You made a mistake, but you are not stupid, and what should not have happened did happen. Irrational statements may include terms, such as, awful, terrible, always, never, must/n’t), should/n’t). Irrational thinking will hijack your brain, allowing only negative emotions. In the example above, you might react with anger at yourself.

Rational Thinking

Different thinking about your mistake: After realizing that you made a mistake, it would be rational, or reasonable, to think, I prefer that I had bought the correct part. I am disappointed at my mistake. I feel frustrated at this inconvenience. Rational statements liberate your brain to devise solutions. Let’s take a test drive: Imagine arriving home after a thirty-mile round trip to the dealer and realizing the fitting doesn’t fit. Say aloud the rational statements (above). How's your pulse?, respiration?, muscle tension? Might rational thinking be for you?

Work and Practice

If you have long been an irrational thinker, then you may have to work at thinking differently. Yet, because you, me, others, and conditions are prone to thwarting goals, you will have plenty of practice. When you feel upset, substitute rational for irrational statements, devise and try solutions, then savor some tranquility.

Joseph Maiorano, FCS Educator Harrison County can be reached at 740-942-8823 or maiorano.2@osu.edu. Joseph works for Ohio State University Extension, Harrison County. Joseph and his wife, Mary, live in Steubenville, Ohio. They have four sons, including two who live at home.This article is a part of The Thriving Farmer series authored by Joseph. The Thriving Farmer—information to help farmers and their families make healthful choices. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Soures

Ellis, A.; Harper, R. (1997). A guide to rational living. 3^rd Ed. Chatsworth, CA: Wilshire Book Company.

Ellis, A. (2016). How to stubbornly refuse to make yourself miserable about anything, yes anything! New York, NY: Citadel Press.

Photo 

KlausHausmann. Downloaded on November 30, 2021, from, https://pixabay.com/illustrations/rage-angry-explosion-head-explode-2317...

Joseph Maiorano, OSU Extension, FCS Educator Harrison County

Lunch: The Fuel You’ll Need

Farmer, you work hard. During a 10-15-hour workday, you will burn between 2,500 and 6,750 calories (captaincalclulator.com, nd)! Before leaving for work, you may eat a nutritious breakfast, yet few farmers consume enough breakfast calories to fuel them for the day. In other words, you will need additional energy to fuel you through the afternoon and into the early evening.

One size does not fit all

Some farmers may go home for lunch, others leave home with a packed lunch, and some may have a loved one deliver their lunch. Also, some farmers stop working to eat lunch, but others may continue working while they eat lunch. So, lunch happens, yet what are some healthful lunches to fuel a hardworking farmer (Six healthy...ideas, 2019)?

Soups

Homemade soup, comprised of protein, vegetables, and legumes, can be nutritious. If you make a big pot-o-soup, then you could freeze, or pressure can, individual portions. Packing soup in an insulated or vacuum sealed container can help soup to stay hot or cold. A hot soup may not be a one-handed work-through-lunch option, but it could help warm up a wintry afternoon. 

Sandwiches 

By varying combinations of proteins, dairy, condiments, vegetables, and breads, sandwiches offer endless possibilities. Moreover, sandwiches made with whole grain bread may help lower your risks of health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers (Whole grains, 2020).

Salads

Salads, as sandwiches, have limitless combinations. A salad, made with fruit, cruciferous vegetables, dairy, protein, and whole grains, can be a hearty one-container lunch with plenty of fuel for a busy afternoon.

Leftovers, Planned Overs, and Make Aheads

Sometimes after dinner, you might have leftovers, which can be packed for next-day's lunch or frozen for another day. Similarly, planned overs, or intentionally making more food than one plans to serve for a meal, are set asides for lunches. A make-ahead is preparing and storing specific food for future use. For example, you might spend Saturday morning packing lunches for the upcoming week.

Farming is demanding work, so farmers burn many calories. Eating healthful lunches is one way to help you get the fuel you’ll need to be at your best.

Joseph Maiorano, FCS Educator Harrison County can be reached at 740-942-8823 or maiorano.2@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Sources

Captaincalculator.com. (nd). Downloaded on October 27, 2021, from, https://captaincalculator.com/health/calorie/farming/#:~:text=The%20average%20person%20burns%20250,350%2D450%20calories%20per%20hour.

Six healthy and delicious lunch ideas. (January 23, 2019). Gina Abernathy. Downloaded on October 27, 2021, from, https://homeatcedarspringsfarm.com/6-ideas-for-packing-healthy-and-delicious-lunches-for-work/.

Whole grains: Hearty options for a healthy diet. (August 20, 2020). Downloaded on October 29, 2021, from, https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/whole-grains/art-20047826.

Dee Jepsen, Extension State Safety Leader and Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County

Autumn weather conditions have led to an increase in combine fires. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include: preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. 

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1^st), Iowa (2^nd), Illinois (3^rd), Kansas (5^th), Nebraska (6^th) and South Dakota (7^th). 

The majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment. Contributing factors for heat sources include faulty wiring, over-heated bearings, leaking fuel or hydraulic oil. The dry crop residue makes a ready source for rapid combustion to occur when the machine is operated in the field. Birds and wildlife are known to make nests in the engine compartment or exhaust manifolds – which can add fuel sources for unsuspecting combine operators.

TIPS TO PREVENT COMBINE FIRES INCLUDE:

• Have a daily maintenance plan during the harvest period. Keeping machinery well maintained plays a large role in preventing fires from these sources. Cleaning up spills, blowing off chaff, leaves, and other plant materials on a regular basis, proper lubrication of bearings/chains, and checking electrical connections should be part of the daily routine. Farmers may choose to do their daily maintenance in the morning while waiting for the dew to burn off the crops. However, performing maintenance at night will highlight any hot-spots or smoldering areas as the machine is cooling down. Removing chaff at the end of the day will reduce the amount of debris available to spark a fire.
• Eliminate static electricity. A chain may also be mounted on the bottom of the machine to drag on the ground while in the field. This decreases the buildup of static electricity.

IF A FIRE BREAKS OUT, IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE AN EMERGENCY PLAN IN PLACE:

• Call 911 or your local first responders at the first sign of a fire. Don’t wait to know if you can contain a fire yourself, rapid response is important to saving valuable equipment. Combine fires are often in remote locations where a specific address may not be available and access is limited. Emergency response times will be longer in these situations.
• Have (2) ABC fire extinguishers mounted on the combine. A 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in the cab or near the ladder of the cab is quick access to protect the operator. A second extinguisher (20-pound ABC) is recommended to be mounted on the outside of combines where it is accessible from the ground. It’s possible that one unit will extinguish a small fire; having the second unit will help with any additional flare-ups. Don’t forget to check that the extinguishers are fully charged at the beginning of the season. Not having extinguishers ready when needed leads to a helpless feeling of watching one of your most expensive pieces of equipment go up in flames.
• Have a water truck positioned by the field. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters from other vehicles driving in the field can pose a risk to the dry field fodder. Smoldering materials may go by 15 to 30 minutes before being noticed. A small gust of wind could rapidly turn that smoldering into a fire. In extreme dry conditions, a water truck may help protect against field fires. Never use water on fires that are electrical or fuel-sourced.  
• Have an emergency plan in place and discuss it with the other workers or family members. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire emergency is important. Knowing the address to the field and how to contact fire departments directly instead of through the 911 system are important safety conversations for the entire harvest crew.

Don’t get caught thinking it can never happen on your farm.  Take preventative action and be prepared.

Dee Jepsen, Extension State Safety Leader, can be reached at 614-292-6008 or jepsen.4@osu.edu. Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 or dellinger.6@osu.edu.

The above article is a cross-posting originally released in the Crop Observation and Recommendation Network Newsletter.

Mary Ann Rose, Ohio State University Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program

The beginning and end of the growing season are good times to assess your pesticide storage. It’s wise to view your pesticide storage from a risk perspective – risks to workers and pesticide applicators, other people, and the environment.  Let’s start with people who have no business being in your pesticide storage area!  Accidental poisonings to children and intentional tampering come to mind.  Keeping your pesticide storage area or cabinet securely locked is the first and most important step to prevent potentially disastrous or even tragic occurrences.  Posting “No Smoking” and “Pesticide Storage – Keep Out!” are also important to prevent harm to unauthorized users.  

Protecting farm workers. While in some cases a small farm pesticide storage shed may not be marked on the outside to prevent it from becoming an “attractive nuisance,” this would not be appropriate on a farm with workers who need to know where hazardous materials are stored. Furthermore, workers have a legal right to access Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous materials in the workplace, pesticides being just one kind of hazardous substance.  In addition to having SDS sheets available, post the emergency contact numbers for poison control and the nearest emergency medical facility near your storage area.  

Protecting pesticide applicators.  Next look at your pesticide storage from the perspective of workers and pesticide applicators who use the pesticide storage area.  Are the containers intact, and are the pesticide labels securely attached to the containers?  Or do you see leaking containers, torn bags, and illegible labels? These problems present multiple hazards including unacceptable exposure to pesticides, cross contamination of pesticides, and the potential for misuse.  Keep your dry pesticides away from moisture, and above or away from the liquid materials. If your pesticide containers are leaking, transfer the pesticide to a cleaned, recycled pesticide container or other appropriate container.  NEVER use a food container such as a drink bottle for pesticide storage.  This is illegal, and sadly, has resulted in fatalities.  Make sure the pesticide label is firmly attached to the container, if necessary, print a new one and re-attach. 

Good lighting and ventilation in the storage area contribute to safety of those who use the facility.  Where the personal protective equipment (PPE) is stored is another important consideration.  Keep your PPE in a separate area from the chemical storage to prevent contamination of the PPE before you even wear it!

Protecting the environment. Potential environment contamination is the third perspective to consider.  Are you keeping old pesticides around that you will never use, or stockpiling uncleaned containers?  Are you prepared for a fire with a fire extinguisher or a spill with a spill kit?  For spill readiness, always have these items available: absorbent material, PPE to protect yourself,  and materials to sweep up and dispose of the waste.  

Ohio Pesticide law requires any drains to be plugged in areas where pesticides are stored in bulk, and furthermore it is a best practice for any pesticide storage area.  Bulk pesticide means pesticide stored in a single container with a capacity greater than 100 lbs. (dry) or 55 gallons (liquid). There are additional regulations for non-mobile bulk pesticide storage. 

What about waste pesticides?  Never pour pesticides down any kind of drain, this is illegal. Burning pesticide waste or containers also is illegal in Ohio.  The best way to dispose of unneeded farm pesticides is to take them to one of the Ohio Department of Agricultures “Clean Sweep” events held in July or August each year.  For pesticide containers, follow the pesticide label for disposal.  Also, consider using the free Ag Container Recycling Council program to recycle your properly rinsed agricultural pesticide containers - www.gpsagrecycle.com. 

This fall, take a close look at your pesticide storage area.  Resolve now to put safety first!

Contact the Pesticide Safety Education Program with your pesticide safety questions: pested@osu.edu / 614-292-4070. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team, agsafety.osu.edu.

Farm Safety Yields Real Results
September 19-25, 2021

National Farm Safety and Health Week is a time to turn the spotlight on far too overlooked practices in agriculture. Safety and health always seem to ride under the radar. This week provides a space and platform for safety and health professionals across the country to curate a collective of resources to help farmers address safety and health needs and practices. Yields, loans, conservation efforts, innovative technologies, weather, inheritance tax laws and carbon credits all seem to steal the thunder and the daily headlines, but farm safety yields real results and brings everyone home at night. Take some time out of your week to turn a focus to safety, not just this week but every week! Farmers are always short on time with a long list of to-dos but setting a pace that includes doing things safely can save lives. Put safety first! Talk with your employees and family members today. Schedule safety meetings with employees or conversations around the kitchen table with family to discuss safety rules and the safety culture on your farm. Decide to tackle one area and make it better, then another, and before you know it you will lead by example to your family, employees, and community. The daily topics of focus for this year are outlined below:

Daily Topics of Focus

Monday – Tractor Safety & Rural Roadway Safety

Tuesday – Overall Farmer Health

Wednesday – Safety & Health for Youth in Agriculture

Thursday – Agricultural Fertilizer & Chemical Safety

Friday – Safety & Health for Women in Agriculture

Head over to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/, for resource in varying formats on numerous topics.

Also plan to join the AgriSafe Daily Webinars, with two topics offered each day. To see the schedule and register follow the link, https://www.necasag.org/media/necas/documents/NFSHW-2021-Webinar-Promotional-Flyer.PDF.

Have a happy, healthy, safe fall harvest!

Richard Purdin, OSU Extension, Adams County ANR/CD Educator

As fair season rolls along many 4-H and FFA members are still proudly exhibiting their livestock projects they have worked hard all year to raise. Tending to livestock can be a lot of hard work and long hours but with all the hard work comes a feeling of accomplishment. No matter if you are raising your livestock for show or sell off the farm, it is important to remember the following livestock handling safety steps.

Livestock Are Not Pets

It is easy to get attached to an animal, especially for 4-H and FFA youth. It is important to remember that livestock are not pets and should be handled with caution. Never let your guard down when working with livestock. Animal behaviors can be unpredictable especially when introduced to a new environment such as a fairgrounds or new farm. New conditions such as noise, different people, other livestock, and new facilities can make livestock feel threatened and stressed. 

Steps For Safe Handling

The following steps should be followed when working with livestock or transporting livestock to a new location.

• Understand your animal’s behavior patterns and attitude towards you and other handlers.
• Learn to recognize when livestock are becoming agitated or nervous.
• Be calm, move slowly, and avoid yelling when handling livestock.
• Understand the livestock’s depth perception, flight zone, and blind spots.
• Make sure loading ramps and trailers are clean and well lighted to prevent balking and slipping. Proper loading equipment will prevent injury for both livestock and handlers.
• Have another handler with you when working with livestock, never work alone.

Prevent Livestock Stress

Changes to an animal’s environment such as weather, feed, water, barn space, and handlers can create a lot of stress. When livestock are stressed, they can react in different ways. As a livestock handler, reducing the amount of stress placed on the livestock will go a long way in reducing the occurrence of human and livestock injury. Some tips to reducing stress are as follows:

• Keep herds together- when herd animals are separated from one other, they can become agitated.
• Keep show stalls and barn spaces clean to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
• Avoid changing rations or quantities of feed given to livestock when relocated to a new environment.
• Always provide clean water to livestock.
• Wear proper personal protective equipment when working around livestock. This can help prevent disease transfer and injury.

For more information and safety steps you can go to https://cfaessafety.osu.edu/cfaes-safety-program/livestock-handling-safety

Richard Purdin, ANR/CD Educator Adams County, can be reached at 937-544 2339 or purdin.19@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/. 

Mark Badertscher, OSU Extension, Hardin County ANR Educator

Operating a hay baler safely is a concern in late July and early August when there is still straw in the field and later cuttings of hay to be made. Oftentimes wheat and hay fields that have more slope than row crops like corn and soybeans, and because of this, the fields can be rough or steep, making tractor and machinery operation a concern.

Because changing weather conditions can quickly lower hay and straw quality, baling is often done with limited time. Therefore, operators must always work safely as no hay or straw crop is worth injury or death. Careless operation that saves time but injures workers is never a good option.

Balers can cause considerable harm if not serviced or operated safely. Knives, belts, power take-off (PTO) shafts, augers, knotters, and mechanical arms must be regarded with extreme caution. Driving at the correct ground speed will help eliminate possible breakdowns and injury. If service is needed, the operator must disengage all power, shut off the engine, and wait for the flywheel and all other moving parts to stop completely before beginning any repairs.

Other recommendations for safe baler operation include:

• While someone is working on the machine, never allow anyone to turn the flywheel. Moving parts can easily injure someone.
• Be sure bale twine or wire is properly spliced and threaded in the machine to avoid knotter problems.
• While the knotter is in operation, never pull anything out of it. You can easily become entangled in it.
• When the machine is running, don't hand feed material, such as broken bales or heavy windrows, into it. Instead, spread the material on the ground so the machine can pick it up.  
• Wear close-fitting clothing: no hooded shirts or jackets with drawstrings, and tie hair back.

Bale Ejectors

The two most common bale ejecting or throwing mechanisms are hydraulically powered, high speed belts and bale-throwing frames. Each type can throw heavy bales of hay, and cause seriously injury if not respected. There is risk for workers being struck by a bale as it is ejected, or by the throwing frame and pan if standing too close.

Safety precautions to take with bale ejectors:

• Disengage all power, shut off the engine, and move the ejector lockout control into locked position before inspecting, servicing, or adjusting the bale ejector.
• No one should stand behind or work on the ejector while the PTO and engine are operating, or while a bale is in the ejector.
• Shut off tractor engine, disengage the PTO, and engage ejector lockout control before hitching or unhitching wagon behind ejector.
• Don't allow anyone to ride in the bale wagon.

Manual Bale Loading

Manual bale loading is safe if it is done carefully. The nature of wagons and bale handling requires extra caution due to the following potential hazards:

• Starts and stops can cause handlers to fall off the wagon or truck.
• Workers might step off the wagon or truck while loading bales.
• Falls from the wagon or truck can result in fractures, sprains, and concussions or getting run over.
• Tossing bales could knock someone off balance.
• Use hand signals to communicate when working with baling equipment (refer to “Hand Signals for Agricultural Safety” module).

For more information, go to https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-59126.

Mark Badertscher, ANR Educator Hardin County, can be reached at 419-767-6037 or badertscher.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Kate Homonai, OSU Extension Educator, Family & Consumer Sciences, Vinton County 

My dad tells a story about the summers he spent helping bale hay at his uncle’s farm. He and his cousins would spend hours outside each day, working beneath the hot sun and becoming drenched in sweat. Being teenage boys, they would toss their sweat-soaked t-shirts aside each night and be amused when they tried to put on the now dried and “crispy” clothes again the next morning. As a child, I thought the story was very funny. As an adult, I still smile at their innocent fun, but the Educator in me wants to interject and ask any number of questions, including, “Weren’t you worried about dehydration?!”

Working outside in the summer puts a significant strain on our bodies. When our bodies warm up from physical exertion and the effects of the sun, we begin sweating to help cool off and control internal body temperature. Sweating is obviously an important safety function, but it also uses the same water that our bodies need to perform basic functions like carrying oxygen, balancing chemicals, and clearing waste.  With all that water going out, it is easy to become dehydrated if we aren’t putting enough fluid back into our bodies.

Dehydration can lead to several different health concerns. Minor dehydration can result in symptoms like increased thirst, headaches, or muscle cramps. Severe dehydration can limit your body’s ability to sweat, which could cause you to overheat and experience heat stroke or heat exhaustion. These side effects can be anything from unpleasant to even life-threatening, but there are simple ways to prevent dehydration and stay healthy this summer.

Consider the following tips:

1. Keep water on hand. You are more likely to drink water if it is easy to access. If you’re working in the shop or barn, fill a large water jug and keep some reusable cups nearby. If you’re working outside or traveling between locations, fill several reusable water bottles and carry them with you in a cooler.   
2. Schedule breaks. It is easy to get in a groove and work for an extended period without taking a break. Set an alarm, place a notecard in a visible area, or use another effective method to remind yourself to stop and get a drink. 
3. Limit sodium. Eating foods high in salt can cause your body to draw water from the cells, possibly leading to dehydration. Examples of foods high in sodium include chips, processed meats, and fast food.  
4. Choose foods with a high water content. Many types of fresh produce are in season right now and make great snacks or meals that add to your total water intake. Choose foods like peaches, melons, peppers, or tomatoes to help you stay hydrated.

Kate Homonai, Family & Consumer Sciences Educator Vinton County, can be reached at 740-596-5212 or homonai.3@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County and Dee Jepsen, Professor and State Agricultural Safety Leader

Weather conditions have helped Ohio wheat fields mature – but these same conditions can lead to an increase in fires to combine harvesters and crop fields. Unintentional fires are never an enjoyable event. Two recommendations to prevent injuries and property damage include: preventative maintenance and pre-planning for fire emergencies. 

Ohio ranks fourth in the nation for combine fires. Other states leading the list include Minnesota (1^st), Iowa (2^nd), Illinois (3^rd), Kansas (5^th), Nebraska (6^th) and South Dakota (7^th). 

The majority of harvester fires start in the engine compartment. Contributing factors for heat sources include faulty wiring, over-heated bearings, leaking fuel or hydraulic oil. The dry crop residue makes a ready source for rapid combustion to occur when the machine is operated in the field. Birds and wildlife are known to make nests in the engine compartment or exhaust manifolds – which can add fuel sources for unsuspecting combine operators.

Tips to prevent combine fires include:

Have a daily maintenance plan during the harvest period. Keeping machinery well maintained plays a large role in preventing fires from these sources. Cleaning up spills, blowing off chaff, leaves, and other plant materials on a regular basis, proper lubrication of bearings/chains, and checking electrical connections should be part of the daily routine. Farmers may choose to do their daily maintenance in the morning while waiting for the dew to burn off the crops. However, performing maintenance at night will highlight any hot-spots or smoldering areas as the machine is cooling down. Removing chaff at the end of the day will reduce the amount of debris available to spark a fire.

Eliminate static electricity. A chain may also be mounted on the bottom of the machine to drag on the ground while in the field. This decreases the buildup of static electricity.

If a fire breaks out, it’s important to have an emergency plan in place:

Call 911 or your local first responders at the first sign of a fire. Don’t wait to know if you can contain a fire yourself, rapid response is important to saving valuable equipment. Combine fires are often in remote locations where a specific address may not be available and access is limited. Emergency response times will be longer in these situations.

Have (2) ABC fire extinguishers mounted on the combine. A 10-pound ABC dry chemical fire extinguisher in the cab or near the ladder of the cab is quick access to protect the operator. A second extinguisher (20-pound ABC) is recommended to be mounted on the outside of combines where it is accessible from the ground. It’s possible that one unit will extinguish a small fire; having the second unit will help with any additional flare-ups. Don’t forget to check that the extinguishers are fully charged at the beginning of the season. Not having extinguishers ready when needed leads to a helpless feeling of watching one of your most expensive pieces of equipment go up in flames.

Have a water truck positioned by the field. Hot mufflers and catalytic converters from other vehicles driving in the field can pose a risk to the dry field fodder. Smoldering materials may go by 15 to 30 minutes before being noticed. A small gust of wind could rapidly turn that smoldering into a fire. In extreme dry conditions, a water truck may help protect against field fires. Never use water on fires that are electrical or fuel-sourced.  

Have an emergency plan in place and discuss it with the other workers or family members. Knowing what to do in the event of a fire emergency is important. Knowing the address to the field and how to contact fire departments directly instead of through the 911 system are important safety conversations for the entire harvest crew.

Don’t get caught thinking it can never happen on your farm.  Take preventative action and be prepared.

Wayne Dellinger, ANR Educator Union County, can be reached at 937-644-8117 or dellinger.6@osu.edu. Dee Jepsen, Extension State Safety Leader, can be reached at 614-292-6008 or jepsen.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Lydia Flores, OSU Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development, Morgan County

What is Zoonosis?

While traveling or enjoying some outdoor activities, many people might encounter animals in either an urban or rural setting. Animals provide many benefits to people such as food, fiber, travel, sport, companionship, and education. However, animals can sometimes carry harmful pathogens that can spread to people and cause illness – these are known as zoonotic diseases or zoonosis. According to the World Health Organization (2020), a zoonosis is an infectious disease that has jumped from an animal to humans. Zoonotic pathogens can be either bacterial, viral, or parasitic. 

How can they spread?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2017) states that it is important to be aware of the common ways people can get infected with pathogens that can cause zoonotic diseases. Including:

• Direct contact – Coming into contact with salvia, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids of an infected animal. Examples include petting or touching animals, bites or scratches, or your dog lying in bed with you licking your face.
• Indirect contact – Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects that have been contaminated. Examples include aquarium tank water, pat habitats, chicken coops, barns, plants, soil, and pet food/water bowls.
• Vector-borne – Being bitten by a tick, mosquito, or flea.
• Foodborne/Waterborne – Eating or drinking unsafe food or liquids. For example, unpasteurized (raw) milk, undercooked meat or eggs, and raw fruits or vegetables that are contaminated with feces from an infected animal.

What are some ways to help prevent the spread?

The AgriSafe Network states that farmers, farm employees, and youth livestock exhibitors have higher levels of risk for contracting zoonotic diseases because of the frequency of their exposure to animals. Prevention is the best defense. Understanding how the disease transmission process works, building a team, and effectively communicating within that team are essential in preventing the spread of zoonotic disease. Quality Assurance programs delivered to both youth and adults help address the issues of food safety which includes a link to biosecurity, animal health, and zoonotic disease risks.

Ways to Protect Yourself

• Choose and use the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE):
  • Respiratory protection
  • Gloves
  • Safety glasses
  • Clothing and footwear
• Designate specific clothes and spaces.
  • Choose clothing that will only be worn in barns or exposed areas.
  • Keep that clothing in a separate area than personal/family clothes.
  • Wash the clothing in a separate area or machine, if possible.
    • If you must use the same machine or area for washing, launder separate from personal/family clothing and clean washing machine between washes.
• Disinfect workspaces and provide a designated hand washing station.
  • Make sure cleaning solutions are clearly labeled.
  • Hot water must be available for hand washing.
  • Use only paper towels to dry.
• While walking or working, wear:
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Long pants
  • Insect repellent
• Inspect entire body, neck, face, and hair for cuts, scrapes, or bites daily.
• Maintain accurate and current medical records.

For more details and information on signs and symptoms, communication needs, and special considerations for children or during pregnancy, check out this resource: https://agn.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/OSHAResources/zoonotic_diseases_resource.pdf

Lydia Flores, 4-H Educator Morgan County, can be reached at 740-252-5430 or flores.191@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Sources

World Health Organization. (2020). Zoonoses. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zoonoses.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2017, July 14). Zoonotic Diseases. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/onehealth/basics/zoonotic-diseases.html.

Zoonotic Disease in Agriculture. AgriSafe Network Inc. https://agn.memberclicks.net/assets/docs/OSHAResources/zoonotic_diseases_resource.pdf.

Richard Purdin, OSU Extension, Adams County ANR/CD Educator

For many livestock producers June is a busy month, finishing the crop planting, caring for livestock, and harvesting first cutting of hay. Hay harvest can be a very labor intensive and time-consuming job. Hay harvest involves working around many different types of equipment, long hours spent in the field, exposure to dust, and numerous hours exposed to the sun. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy while making hay in 2021.

Pace Yourself

The hay making process is a very fast pace and labor-intensive process. Baling and storing hay should be done as fast and efficient as possible to maintain the quality of the hay. Changing weather conditions can easily shorten the harvest window making the process very challenging. Harvest your hay crop in intervals rather than trying to harvest the whole crop in one week.

Protect yourself

It is a good practice to drink plenty of water (8 ounces every 15-30 minutes) and stay hydrated even if you are just operating equipment.

Harvesting Hay involves many hours in the sunlight, over exposure can cause many health effects with skin cancer being at the top of the list. Wear proper clothing to protect your skin, such as:

• Long sleeved shirts
• Long pants
• Wide brim hats
• Sunglasses

Apply sunscreen routinely or every 2-3 hours is a good practice to avoid over exposure and burning. Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher are recommended.

Hay harvest is a dusty job, wearing a clean tight fitting dust mask while handling hay or cleaning equipment is recommended to avoid lung damage or irritation.

Prevent Injury 

• Follow and maintain safety signals on equipment.
• Disengage all power units before servicing equipment.
• Maintain equipment by lubricating and cleaning routinely, being sure to replace all safety shields following maintenance.
• Have a fire extinguisher attached to the baler.
• Wear heavy gloves when handling small square bales.
• Be aware of field conditions and maintain a safe speed.
• Watch for sink holes or ground hog holes.
• Watch for the safety of other workers and use proper hand signals to communicate in the field.
• Have a first aid kit on hand.

For more information and safety steps you can go to https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-59126 and https://ohioline.osu.edu/factsheet/aex-892276.

Richard Purdin, ANR/CD Educator Adams County, can be reached at 937-544 2339 or purdin.19@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/. 

Beth Scheckelhoff, ANR Educator Putnam County

Honey bee swarms are common this time of year. They often go unnoticed because swarms do not stick around for very long, usually one to three days at most. A honey bee swarm is a natural process of one hive splitting into two. As a honey bee colony grows within a hive, it becomes crowded. The bees instinctively begin to nurture a new queen while preparing for the current queen to leave. 

Once she is ready, the existing queen leaves the hive in search of a new location for her colony.  She takes hundreds to thousands of worker bees (all female) and some drones (all male) with her, and together, these form a swarm.

Worker bees that are good at foraging for food are called scout bees. Scout bees find a suitable place for the queen to rest until they go off and identify a more permanent location to call home. The queen is often led to a tree or shrub branch or another object not too far from the original hive. Worker bees follow, milling around her to keep her safe and warm. 

Scout bees search for an ideal location to begin the new hive. The swarm will stay put until the scouts report back and signal that they have located a suitable new home. While the honey bees wait, the swarm can be collected and relocated. If the swarm is not collected and left alone, it will move on once the suitable nesting site has been identified. This can take one to several days.

During this time, homeowners should not fear. Honey bees in a swarm are generally docile. They do not have growing brood in a hive to protect and are simply keeping the queen comfortable. Have patience, and the swarm will move on within a few days. If you are concerned about a bee swarm, however, please contact your local extension office, a local beekeeper, or a beekeeping association. Most extension offices have a list of local beekeepers that will happily collect bee swarms. In most cases, beekeepers will travel to collect the swarm at no cost to you.

Once the swarm reaches its new home – whether that be a hollowed-out tree or a beekeeper’s hive box, the colony will begin to grow as the queen lays new eggs.

If you have an interest in honey bees or other types of bees, you may wish to check out the Ohio State University’s Bee Lab website: u.osu.edu/beelab. It is full of information on bees of all types – including honey bees and native bees. There are many presentations posted as well for you to watch and learn about all things bees!

Beth Scheckelhoff, ANR Educator Putnam County, can be reached at scheckelhoff.11@osu.edu or 419-523-6294. This column is provided by the OSU Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Team. https://agsafety.osu.edu/.

Amanda Douridas, ANR Educator Madison County

OSU Extension recently hosted State Highway Patrol officers and a local Sherriff’s Department to discuss the recent CDL changes and answer general farm hauling questions for a program offered jointly to Delaware, Madison, and Union counties. The take aways from the Q&A are summarized below.

Required Course

Any new person trying to obtain a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) must now take a course which typically runs 5-6 days a week for 4-5 weeks and costs $4,000-6,000. For example, Clark State College runs Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. for 4 weeks and costs $5,500. 

Are Farmers Exempt?

The big question – are farmers exempt from needing a CDL? The answer of course is it depends. Farmers are exempt from having a CDL and medical card when hauling commodities or equipment used to raise crops within 150 miles of his/her farm. If hauling further than that or going to pick up a piece of machinery outside of that range, farmers are required to have a CDL, medical card, USDOT# and log.

Livestock going to market are exempt 150 miles from the farm and 150 miles from the processor for a total of 300 miles.