[fullwidth background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”0″ padding_right=”0″ hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][title size=”1″ content_align=”left” style_type=”underline solid” sep_color=”#000000″ margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” class=”” id=””]Minnesota Department reminds everyone to be safe during harvest season[/title][fusion_text]Tuesday, September 15th 2015
As farmers across Minnesota gear up for fall harvest, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding everyone of possible hazards of the season. In observance of National Farm Safety and Health Week September 20-26, the MDA is offering tips and advice to ensure all Minnesotans are safe, whether harvesting fields or encountering farm equipment on roadways. Federal and state statistics show farming is one of the most dangerous professions. In 2013, the latest year reported, 17 of the 69 work-related deaths in the state were in the ag industry, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Roadways may be just as dangerous for producers and non-farmers alike, as equipment is transported and grain is hauled from fields. Statistics from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety show that of the more than 190,000 people involved in crashes in Minnesota in 2014, 119 people were involved in a crash with a tractor or other farm equipment. Those crashes resulted in 12 injuries and one death. According to Frederickson, ensuring an injury-free fall is everyone’s responsibility. “While traveling through rural areas, all drivers need to pay attention to and respect farm equipment that may be on the roads.”In addition to road safety, the MDA is highlighting a wide range of farm safety topics this season, including child safety on the farm, proper livestock and grain handling and guidelines for reducing physical stress.
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