Even though we may be done with harvest, there is still the rush to get fall tillage done, equipment stored, facilities secured for winter and other outdoor activities wrapped up before the snow flies. We know that the sooner these things are done, the more comfortable we will be when the weather gets unpleasant.
Most agricultural workers spend significant amounts of their time working alone. We are masters of efficiency, and having more people than needed to get the job done is expensive and impractical. But is it safe? Each job should be assessed for the hazards involved and the need for an additional person to provide assistance and ensure worker safety. We may think it is only changing a lightbulb, but if it requires climbing a tall ladder or exposure to other hazards, we need to have someone else there as well. If we are working in a trench, working with electricity, doing roofing, climbing ladders, working around or doing maintenance on equipment in motion, using hazardous chemicals or other dangerous activities, we need to provide assistance to ensure that proper protocols are followed and help is there if needed. Most people will take fewer risks and be more likely to follow safety procedures if someone else is watching.
We may rationalize that we are saving time and improving efficiency by having people work alone, but one average injury can negate all those savings in an instant. We certainly don’t want any of our employees, or our family members, going through the holidays on a set of crutches, with a limb in a cast…or from a hospital bed.
Do your part to ensure that everyone you work with Gets Home Safe every night.
