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Farm Safety - National Government Resources Part 2

2020-10-08T19:54:52.921Z

The federal government in the United States has a special place in being able to provide both federal and local advice and help with specific focus on the agricultural industry. This applies both to advice and guidance in a theoretical sense about all business activities, and in a specific sense to dedicated areas of the agricultural and farming industry.

Agricultural safety and health centres, come under the brief of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Health and safety on farms is a major issue, and this government agency focuses on research and policies regarding the prevention of all workplace injuries on a national level, including agriculture.

Agricultural safety and health centers take this work one stage further, providing help at a more local level, albeit still in a very wide geographical area. Some of the centres based in Washington, California, Colorado, Texas, Kentucky, New York and Ohio.

There are a few other centres as well and their work may even be subcontracted further down the line if necessary. The intent is to be able to provide more localised information and help on a geographical basis, and each center may decide on specific ways of doing this.

Their main role is to provide safety education programs, that take into account the broad locality of where they are based, and can thereby focus on specific issues that have a local bearing.

They are an excellent resource because they can combine both federal and local experience and policies, targeted much more specifically around the locality of an area.

The National Children's Centre for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety is a dedicated centre, which as its name implies focuses on providing farm safety in relation to children.

Unlike a lot of other industries, the use of children and young people in agricultural work is still seen as a really good thing, providing valuable experience for young people in a safe environment, providing holiday jobs, and often lifestyle and community experience.

Many young people who work on farms also live there, either as part of the family who own the farm, or as part of a family who work there.

In any event, it is acknowledged there needs to be a special focus on how best to protect children and young people in terms of workplace safety, in ways that do not necessarily apply to other businesses.

This agency oversees that, and try to develop a framework that allows children and young people to grow up and be involved in the nature of the work in a safe and appropriate manner.

The United States Consumer Production Safety Commission is a regulatory agency whose focus is on setting standards for consumers to have confidence in, in terms of the safety of all products within the industry.

This agency tries to work closely with farmers and producers of agricultural products in order to achieve this. It is in everyone's interests that consumers feel safe in the products they are buying, and this can be an ongoing challenge for the farming and agricultural industry.

The other main government agency worth mentioning is the Environmental Protection Agency. This agency has a broad remit to protect all areas of the environment, most notably the air, water and natural resources of the United States.

This agency has responsibility for overseeing and implementing laws and regulations that apply to pesticides and air and water pollution.

There can be heavy financial penalties if these regulations are not adhered to, and it can be a major challenge for many farms and agricultural businesses to make sure that all their business practices conform to current legislation.

The EPA should not be thought of as purely being a policeman enforcing government law.

It can also be a very effective resource for providing help and advice on what laws and regulations apply particular environment or area, and advising farmers on how best to meet their responsibilities.

Dealing with all types of pollution, either airborne or waterborneit is a responsibility that everyone working in the industry has, and in an ideal world would want to adhere to.

Business pressures can often lead to people taking shortcuts in the hope of getting away with it. This sadly does happen, although hopefully infrequently. It is important that all these government agencies work in a collective and collaborative manner in order to both support and regulate all farms and agricultural practices throughout the country.

Peter Main is a freelance writer who specializes in agriculture and related matters with all major manufacturers, such as farm machinery, tractors, utvs, lawn and garden tractors, and snowblowers. He also writes extensively about all areas of tractor finance, including credit scores, insurance and loan pay offs.

Agricultural Safety – Manure Handling and Spills

2020-10-08T19:54:13.143Z

Although not a particularly nice subject to write about, manure is a big issue in farming and agricultural related work, and has potential to cause significant damage to both land and water.

Such damage can occur either through improper storage, improper usage or when manure is being transported either on a farm or on a public highway. These will be looked at in detail below.

When most people think of manure, they simply think of the smell of it, which generally is pretty unpleasant.

It is however widely used, often in conjunction with pesticides, to aid a number of processes in the following industry. It is important to understand the nature of how it is used, and its potential dangers if not handled properly

Manure can come in several forms, mainly solid, semisolid and liquid.

Manure handling

It is crucial to understand that the different types of manure require different handling techniques. Most commonly used what are known as front end loaders, or gravity flow storage facilities or units.

Sometimes what are known as gravity liquid manure tanks are used, but there is a significant risk to some type of spill in the environment. The other risk to any type of environmental spillage is what is known as a stuck manure pit valve.

Transportation

This is perhaps the biggest area of potential risk. Transporting manure requires significant skill levels in different areas, requires a high degree of planning and oversight, normally by several people who are well experienced in this process.

It should be recognised that anyone driving any type of farm equipment potentially poses a significant risk to other users on the highway. This is in part by the nature of the equipment driven, and in part by any load that is being carried or pulled.

The college or carrying of manure add significantly to this risk, and as such must be carefully managed. Since manure can be available in different forms as mentioned above, solid, semi-liquid and liquid,it can often times proved very difficult to handle.

This is a significant responsibility for any farmer or owner of agricultural machinery, and many areas carry legal responsibilities and penalties regarding shifting load violations.

While any penalties may differ depending on the locality of the area, most regulations require the legal owner of the vehicles to transport all loads, including all types of manure, in such a way that does not pose any type of risk or potential damage to the environment or local area.

These regulations are sometimes left quite vague, in order to put the maximum pressure on the farmer or owner to make sure they are complied with.

They are also likely to include a provision that in the event of a spillage, the operator of the vehicle is legally bound to take immediate steps to try and control both the immediate damage, and any long-term damage that may occur.

Any type of spillage also normally carries a legal obligation to notify relevant authorities, either local or national, sometimes both, who may then take steps to oversee the incident itself, and make sure that is dealt with effectively.

If any spillage happens on a public highway, then it is crucial that the operative or owner notifies all relevant local police and fire officials immediately, in order to deal with any immediate hazards to other traffic all road users, and also to prevent any potential accident as a result of the spillage.

Application

Manure regularly used on agricultural land and farm fields. How it is applied as a significant effect both in its effectiveness, and in terms of any potential damage it may cause. The quality of the water used, and the level of nutrients applied should be major factors in consideration of how it should be applied to any land.

It is important not to use manure if the land of soil is frozen, or is likely to freeze at the same time that the manure is being applied.

This is because inevitably it will find its way into some type of water stream or locality, possibly causing damage or infection of such water.

This also inevitably applies to any land that is close to any screening or pond or well. Manure applied to this type of land can inevitably spread and cause serious damage.

The other issue to take account of is that manure contains certain nutrients that are needed to enhance the quality of land plants or vegetables that are being grown, normally nitrogen and phosphorus.

It needs to be recognised that whilst these can be of benefit to what is being grown, if used in excess it is very easy for them to pollute any underground stream or river that may be running under the land or adjacent to it.

As with many health and safety issues, it is important that the farm operates as a business in this area.

Key is having a written plan of what to do in the event of a spillage, either on a public highway on the land itself. Any operative should be trained in this manner in a formal sense of possible, and there should be continuous updates of this training throughout the year.

The recent plan to contain all relevant phone numbers as mentioned above, including those of local fire and police authorities or any other emergency response team members who may be needed to be contacted in the event of a potential spillage.

Farm Safety - National Government Resources Part 1-

2020-10-08T19:53:34.153Z

Agriculture plays a major part in most economies of the world, none more so than the United States. The federal government plays a huge part in the development and practices within the industry, by way of research, training, advice and sharing of experience.

The federal government also oversees many areas of farming and safety by way of legislation and has a role that is both helpful and punitive. Knowing which agencies are involved and what they do is a crucial matter for any farmer or agricultural operative and can be a huge source of information and help.

Anyone running a farm of any size should approach it as running a serious business, and understand the various frameworks involved, both structural and legal, that they need to be aware of and implement in how they run the business.

Below are some of the main public and government agencies that operate in the United States.

Some may extend into other countries such as Canada if there are cross-border agreements relate to their country as well. Other countries that rely heavily on agriculture also have their own agencies that are likely to be similar in nature in terms of the services or legal framework that they operate under.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is the main body in the United States that deals with regulations relating to health and safety.

Health and safety on a farm or in an agricultural context is normally more complicated to detail and implement than normal businesses, given the nature of both the environment, and the people who work on it.

Farm and agricultural land relies much more heavily on the seasons and the weather than most other businesses and this creates real health and safety issues.

It is also true to say that most farms are either family run, or have families living on site, meaning that the business is a mix of home and work.

These are boundaries that have to be worked out within the family themselves at a personal level, but also need to be worked out in a commercial sense both for the families and any employees who either live or work on the land as well.

The United States Department of Labor has a specific focus in the agricultural industry that relates to children and young people.

Historically children have done a lot of work on farms, either as holiday jobs or as part of the lifestyle if they live their. Whilst generally this is a safe and accepted practice, there are specific laws that relate to child labour which need to be understood and related specifically to agriculture.

The United States Department of Agriculture is the main body in the US which oversees this massive an important industry. It is continually engaged with the agricultural community in different ways, in order both to understand their needs on an ongoing basis, and also to provide help and support of possible.

The needs of the agricultural industry can change, depending upon specific weather conditions, or market forces. There may need to be temporary measures put in place, either financial or regulatory to help the farming industry in specific and dedicated ways.

This department primarily helps the farming industry through education, research, regulation of food production and safety, conservation and worldwide market development.

AgrAbility is a number of specific programs sponsored by the United States Department of agriculture and the National Easter Seals which provide help and support to farmers with disabilities.

This is seen as a hugely important function that they provide many concerning education, technical and financial information, and is widely available throughout the United States although not everywhere.

This enables farmers, whose business is quite isolated anyway, with any type of disability to access resources and help which enable them to do the work on a similar basis with their competitors.

The other really important government agency is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. This is a branch of the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, which has a very specific responsibility.

It is charged with conducting research and making recommendations to help prevent injuries in the workplace.

It should be thought of as a significant body of experience that uses their understanding of how injuries happen to help prevent them.

This is not simply a legislative process, it can bring understanding to any type of formal agricultural business as to how to understand best practice in the industry, and implement policies and protocols that help prevent any type of injury or serious damage to employee, in what is a very challenging and fast moving work environment.

Farm Safety - Burning Trash

2020-10-08T19:52:54.042Z

Most farms or agricultural complexes will have a significant amount of materials, commonly referred to as trash, that will need to be disposed of.

Quite often this is done by way of burning it, as it is seen as the most affected and manageable way of disposal.

It is also a task that is often given to younger or more inexperienced employees on a farm. This is because it is seen as a relatively easy job to do and oversee.

It is also seen as giving good experience to more inexperienced farmworkers in order to help them progress in their job career.

Whilst the burning trash can be relatively safe, but are a number of risks that need to be taken into account, that can affect both the employees performing the task as well as the broader environment, both land and air, both on the farm itself and the broader environment nearby.

Toxic materials

Burning trash needs to take into account the very specific nature of the material that is to be destroyed.

This is especially relevant to all types of toxic materials which include pesticide containers, chemical cleaners and very specifically tires.

All these types of material released extremely toxic fumes if burnt, and can potentially cause significant health problems to employees attending the process.

These fumes can also spread very quickly into the broader environment, causing potential health risks to other family members or people living or working nearby.

Anyone undertaking this work should check with their employer exactly what materials may be burnt and which may not bebefore they start the process.

Burning times

There are likely to be local laws and regulations covering what times this burning process can happen, and quite often where it can happen.

There are likely to be limitson where the burning can take place, specifically in relation to public highways and railway lines.

This is irrespective of what is being burnt, as the smoke can carry very easily and cause potential risk to road users or railway operatives.

Disposal of fuel

The disposal of all types of liquids such as fuel, oil and lubrication can carry risks that need to be identified and isolated.

There are also likely to be local regulations concerning disposal that need to be understood and adhered to. the farmer also needs to be aware of any potential damage to their own land by way of pollution, and how this can affect their current and potential business practices.

Some main sources of fuel that need to be disposed of include used oil, oil filters, antifreeze, paint and solvents, air-conditioner refrigeration liquid, spilled or dumped fuel and empty containers that once held fuel oil or any type of lubricant.

If any type of material spillage happens, it is best to consult the container label which should contain detailed instructions as to the most appropriate method of cleanup.

It may also be necessary to contact any local or national state authorities in the event of a major spillage.

The disposal of any hazardous materials presents real challenges.

Most often the material will have a label connected to it which should contain information as to the best way to dispose of it.

There are also often local community disposal schemes, either run as cooperatives or by local authorities who can either advise on the most appropriate method, or may have their own collection schemes in place.

Tire, battery and garbage disposal

Most farms have a significant amount of leftover materials that include the above, that need to be disposed of, which can prove quite difficult.

Often the most appropriate way is to contact the manufacturer or distributor who likely to collect or remove the product themselves or by contractor.

They are likely to charge a fee for this, but it is often the safest way of disposal. Again the labels should carry specific instructions as to how best to dispose of these items.

Normal disposal methods often include some type of landfill, or potentially burial on some area of the farmland itself. This is not ideal but may be the only option depending upon the size of the farm.

With all types of disposal of any material, either solid or liquid, it is important to think it through before the disposal needs to take place, and have an appropriate plan in place of how best to dispose of it, and a plan to deal with any fallout either by way of spillage, leakage or accidental burning of prohibited items.

Farm Safety – National and Local Resources

2020-10-08T19:51:50.677Z

The issue of health and safety on farms and agricultural businesses is one where many farmers and operatives often need to seek help.

This can apply to practical issues, local or national legislation, as well as immediate emergencies. Running a farm or related industry can be quite an isolated business, and it is important that whoever is running it is aware of the help that is available, and makes use of the wide resources available, both in real-time and online.

Safety Resources

It is important to identify firstly what help is needed, before deciding who to approach. This is likely to start with a risk analysis of the farm and its environment, and understanding of how the risks can be managed and which need to be insured, and what training may be needed for any or all operatives.

Safety training is a big issue on farms and related environments.

Historically most training was seen as being done on the job, but that has changed significantly in recent years, in large part due to the Internet.

Many local colleges and universities also offer degrees and programs in all types of farm management and safety, and they are often an ideal source for first contact

Universities and colleges often have specific dedicated units dealing with health and safety relating to agricultural matters, either that they teach as part of their course or which are required by local statute.

In addition to these, many colleges of health training for nurses and doctors are also an excellent resource as well as veterinary medicine colleges.

Universities and colleges can sometimes seem a bit remote, but in this area are genuinely keen to help where ever possible.

They are often able to advise on risk management, and the best type of training available. Many colleges also offer online training, and may even be able to devise specific programs for a particular branch of forming if required.

If they are unable to help with a specific requirement, they are likely to be able to recommend another resource or safety experts may be able to be more help.

Other sources of help

The other areas of help tend to fall into two categories of Public and Private.

The areas they may be able to help and will depend upon the specific need identified by the farm management, who can then either approach the relevant body or company to see if they can assist.

As a general guide, the public sources of help relate to areas such as traffic laws and road hazards, where the local police department is possibly the first place to call.

Alternatively local state legislature may be able to help get some reason the local police or fire department are unable.

In the event of any fatality that may occur in relation to farm or agricultural activity, the local county coroner will be involved and may be able to offer guidance in specific areas.

The other public sources of help generally relate to local or national government.

They will have specific departments relating to agriculture and health, as well as many others. These two departments in particular should have a wealth of experience and materials available specifically to help in these areas.

This can include training as well as all types of risk management tools that are available.

Many local governments also have specific teams dedicated to helping small businesses, as well as large ones. A lot of farm management practices could well find succour sources invaluable.

The sources of help available that are private tend to be companies or businesses who work in the agricultural industry.

They can be helpful either by way of providing advice or information, or by helping in the event of a problem emergency.

In terms of health and safety management and training, businesses who work in the electrical service industry, machinery and equipment dealers and private business safety consultants are often willing to provide details of programs and training regarding their services or the industry more generally.

Sales representatives of all products especially pesticides are often willing to provide safety information and training either as part of their sales program, or as an additional benefit in order to try and secure a sales lead.

It is always worth being aware of the fact that if an accident or emergency happens on a farm, it is highly likely that it will take a while for any emergency services to rise, given the remote nature of most farms and their distance from local communities.

It is highly important to recognise the need for on-site training regarding first aid and manual handling, including CPR. First aid training should be as extensive as possible to include items such as to how to deal with burns, electric shocks etc.

It is also important that the former management should have lists of all local emergency contacts with phone numbers, e-mail and websites readily available this should include all local doctors and nurses, emergency poison helplines, volunteer fire departments, and all types of emergency services such as ambulances etc.