The American Journal of Industrial Medicine says a 2008 report indicates farmers and farm workers 55 and over are nearly twice as likely to die in farm accidents. Of those fatalities, Tractors accounted for 46 percent of those deaths. Fortunately, there are groups working to make tractors safer. Chuck Schwab of Iowa State University Extension describes …Continue reading “Schwab describes evolution of rollover protective structures”
Going against almost all other industry currents, farming retirements exist only on paper, echoes Charles Schwab, a professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering at Iowa State University. “Farmers keep working at some level and you see these injuries mount. We’ve recorded so many farm injuries with 70- and 80-year-olds and that makes agriculture so different.”
Iowa motorists are reminded harvest time is underway and drivers should be prepared to encounter combines and other large farm equipment on the road. Chuck Schwab, a safety specialist with Iowa State University Extension, says rear end collisions are among the most common crashes involving farm machinery.
Iowa Governor Terry Branstad signed a proclamation Sept. 9 to commemorate the week. The proclamation calls for all Iowans to “work together to control and mitigate these farm risks.” Working to make farms safer is crucial to a state like Iowa that has more than 90 percent of its land used in agriculture and distributes …Continue reading “Schwab: Experts advise farm safety practices during safety week”
In the spring, two types of grain bin safety incidents tend to happen more often, according to Chuck Schwab, Iowa State University Extension safety specialist. Both incidents happen when stored grain wasn’t kept in the best condition or had moisture build up over the winter, he says. In the first scenario, clumps of spoiled grain …Continue reading “Schwab: Tips to safeguard stored grain”
Harvest is historically the most dangerous time of year for agriculture. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 20 to 26, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach wants to remind everyone to regularly read instruction manuals about potential dangers of farm equipment and to be diligent in preventing farm injuries. Reading and following the …Continue reading “Take precautions now for safe fall harvest”
Iowa Farm Safety and Health Week is being held in conjunction with the National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept., 20-26. By proclamation, Governor Terry Branstad declared the special week to highlight agricultural safety and health for all Iowans and their communities. The proclamation request was made by the Iowa Farm Safety Council, a group …Continue reading “Farm Safety and Health Week: Sept. 20-26”
Farmers are exposed to various types of confined-space hazards during normal working conditions. However, it is possible to avoid being injured if proper steps are taken. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 20-26, agriculture engineering experts at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach suggest farmers plan ahead for hazardous situations that may occur …Continue reading “Mosher & Schwab: Confined spaces are hazardous for farmers”
Grain entrapments can happen quickly. To ensure an even flow of grain from the silo or wagon through a small opening at the unloading gate, workers will walk on top of the flowing grain and become trapped within seconds. “Grain is like quicksand,” said Charles Schwab, professor and extension specialist in agricultural and biosystems engineering …Continue reading “Confined spaces are hazardous for farmers”
Last year also saw another record harvest in Iowa. And while the number of deaths on Iowa’s farms has declined in the past decade, it’s still the deadliest job sector in our state. Iowa State University Professor of agricultural and biosystems engineering and extension safety specialist Charles Schwab told IowaWatch that improving the situation is …Continue reading “Farm safety, Chuck Schwab on IowaWatch”
