1. HARVEST PREPARATION: Harvest season is one of the busiest times of the year for Minnesota farm families. It's also one of the most dangerous. Before you begin harvest fieldwork, make sure that combines, trucks, and other equipment are in top operating condition. Your owner's manual provides the best information for routine maintenance and preparation. The hurry and frustration when a breakdown happens often leads to a serious injury. Take time ahead of time, to make sure that this harvest season is safe and productive
                http://safety.cfans.umn.edu/psas/HarvestTimeSafety.mp3
 

2. SILO GAS: One of the deadly gases that Minnesota dairy farmers encounter each year is silo gas, also known as nitrogen dioxide. Silo gas forms within a few hours after filling any silo. This gas is heavier than air, has a yellow-brown hazy color, and it smells a bit like bleach. Stay out of a newly-filled silo and any surrounding areas for two to three weeks after filling. When it is safe to enter, run the blower for at least an hour to assure that gases have been removed and that there's a fresh supply clean air.
               http://safety.cfans.umn.edu/psas/SiloGas.mp3

3. GRAIN BINS: Grain bins, gravity flow wagons, and trucks are involved in grain suffocations or grain "drownings" each year. Grain that flows out from the bottom through an auger or by gravity is much like quicksand. An adult can be pulled under the grain's surface in a matter of seconds and small children can also be quickly suffocated. Keep children out of bins, wagons, and trucks. If you have to enter a bin to check storage conditions, shut off and lock out all unloading equipment. And treat the bin as you would any dangerous, confined space.
             http://safety.cfans.umn.edu/psas/GrainBinSuffocation.mp3

4. AGE APPROPRIATE TASKS FOR CHILDREN: Each year, about 100 farm children die across our country as a result of work-related injuries. One reason for these tragedies is that parents often overestimate their child's ability to perform dangerous jobs. Before asking your child to perform any task or chore, ask yourself: Is my child physically and mentally prepared to handle the task at hand? Most child development experts suggest waiting until a child is at least age 12 or 13 before you allow them to operate a tractor or perform other potentially hazardous jobs. Even then, kids need adequate training and supervision.
              http://safety.cfans.umn.edu/psas/KidsandFarmSafety.mp3

John Shutske
Extension Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist