Generally speaking, agriculture doesn’t place enough emphasis on personal protective equipment (PPE).  Failure to use PPE can have devastating consequences in both the short-term and long-term.

We’ve all been there. 

• Not wearing gloves when you know flowing material has sharpened the edges of the equipment you are working on to a razor edge.
• Not wearing goggles when you know the chemical you are using could harm your eyes.
• Purchasing boots without steel toes out of concern for comfort when you know the steel toe version would better protect your feet.
• Not using ear muffs when we are running the chainsaw even though you know your ears will ring for days afterwards.

If your agribusiness operation doesn’t present enough opportunity for slips and falls, wait for a snow or ice storm!  Even without a storm, freezing temperatures can create additional hazards due to the freezing of existing wet or muddy areas.  Take time now to identify areas where some additional grading or surface changes could reduce the water or moisture subject to freezing.  Some of these areas include downspouts from roofs, low spots in parking areas, runoff from lots, etc. 

Per the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), from 2006 to 2010, there were 830 structure fires in livestock or poultry barns, stockyards and animal pens.  These fires cause millions of dollars in property damage, loss of animals, and injuries and deaths to farmers and farm workers.

Generally speaking, agriculture doesn’t place enough emphasis on personal protective equipment (PPE).  Failure to use PPE can have devastating consequences in both the short-term and long-term.

We’ve all been there. 

• Not wearing gloves when you know flowing material has sharpened the edges of the equipment you are working on to a razor edge.
• Not wearing goggles when you know the chemical you are using could harm your eyes.
• Purchasing boots without steel toes out of concern for comfort when you know the steel toe version would better protect your feet.
• Not using ear muffs when we are running the chainsaw even though you know your ears will ring for days afterwards.