As 2015 is winding down, we’re reflecting on last years Top 10 Osha’s violations. Each year, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, names the most cited violations it encountered during its workplace safety inspections that year. 

A farm—like any other industrial workplace—has its fair share of respiratory hazards that place employees at risk. Some agriculture safety hazards, primarily when transferring or mixing chemicals, involve exposure to dangerous gases, while others, such as grain bins, feed mills, livestock areas or confined spaces with poor ventilation, represent hazards that can naturally cause serious breathing difficulties.

Ah, the great outdoors—crisp, clean air and the refreshing smell of morning dew! Yes, this is just one of the reasons many of us really love farming. On the other hand, does farming generate  hazards for our respiratory systems? Not only is the answer a resounding “yes,” but some of the most treacherous respiratory dangers are actually unique to farming.

For agribusiness owners making the first-time commitment to implement employee safety training, the question often arises at some point: Will videos alone satisfy OSHA requirements, or do I have to hire a safety expert to come on site and conduct some kind of formal training?

The success of any safety and health program on your farm depends on careful planning. This means that you must take the time to analyze what you want to accomplish and develop an action plan to attain these goals.  This is true for operations with existing safety programs and for farms just beginning to implement a program.

As we mentioned earlier this month, chainsaws are a necessary—and dangerous—piece of equipment that is designed to make the job of cutting wood faster and easier.

On the farm, we use our hearing to do our jobs better. The problem is, when it comes to hearing safety, most threats are long term. We don’t sense any immediate harm. This week's farm safety tips address why it’s important to train your employees on hearing protection. 

When you think of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), the first thoughts that come to mind are whipping around corners, kicking up dirt and zipping through forest trails—all activities that, though fun, can result in accidents.

Whether cutting firewood, downing trees for lumber, clearing brush or removing storm-damaged trees and branches, chainsaws are designed to make the job faster and easier. They're one of the most powerful hand tools at your disposal  . . .