Farm Safety
Like many workplaces, farms require the use of specialized equipment. However, the close proximity of most producers’ homes to their farms can lull both adults and children into such familiarity with processes and tools they forget to exercise caution. MSU Extension specialists and agents focus on farm safety in several ways, including grain bin safety, proper storage and use of chemicals, ATV safety, and educational events for children.
The most common farm tractor and machinery related accidents result in approximately 20 fatalities annually in Mississippi. These include tractor rollover, improper use of a front loader, backwards flip of the tractor from hitching to something other than the stationary drawbar, operators and extra riders being run over, and roadway collisions.
These video clips represent a composite summary of real situations that have occurred most frequently during the past 20 years, determined by analyzing death certificates from accidents. Drowning in a farm pond is also a leading cause of farm related deaths in the state.
The following public service announcements are presented to emphasize the dangers associated with these hazards and suggest safer ways to accomplish the task at hand:
- Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Danger! Farm Machinery On Roads
- If You Smell Propane Gas
- Lighting Gas Grills
- Never Store Pesticides In Unlabeled Containers
- Tractor Safety: Avoid Rollovers
- Tractor Safety: Falling Objects
- Tractor Safety: Front Loaders
- Tractor Safety: Lifting Heavy Loads
- Tractor Safety: No Extra Rider
- Tractor Safety: Proper Hitching
- Tractor Safety: Rollover Protective Structures
- Tractor Safety: Safe Turns
- Transporting Propane Cylinders
- Water Safety
Publications
News
RAYMOND, Miss. -- Decorated homes and busy kitchens mark the holiday season for many families, but this time of year also brings an increased number of safety hazards.
Decor and cooking fires increase during the holidays, causing numerous deaths and injuries, as well as millions of dollars in property damage. Between 2009 and 2013, U.S. fire departments responded to about 1,070 home fires a year started by holiday decorations, including Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
COWART, Miss. -- Mississippi farmers can safely get rid of unusable agricultural chemicals and old tires during a free disposal event on Feb. 24 in Tallahatchie County.
Event organizers will accept insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and other pesticide products at the Cowart Gin Yard and Tallahatchie Farmers Supply located at 3990 Tippo Road between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m.
No rinsates, household waste pesticides or products in bulk containers will be accepted.
STARKVILLE, Miss. -- Riding all-terrain vehicles is a fun adventure until tragedy strikes, but simple practices can keep riders safe.
Jesse Wilson, a high school senior from Lowndes County, has firsthand experience with an ATV disaster. Wilson was driving up a steep ditch when his ATV fell back on top of him because of excess weight on the back of the vehicle. He was not wearing any safety gear at the time. Wilson broke his shoulder because of this accident, and had to have surgery.
WEST POINT, Miss. -- Young Mississippians eager to complete the safety course required for operating all-terrain vehicles on public lands can sign up for free classes offered during ATV Safety Week, June 6-14.
MISSISSIPPI STATE -- This week marks National Farm Safety and Health Week and it is the perfect time to recognize the dangers of harvest equipment on the highways.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 70 percent of traffic fatalities in Mississippi occur on rural roads. In addition to being more common, crashes on rural roads tend to be more severe and are more likely to result in death. Farm equipment can be a hazard rural roads any time of year, but harvest time means increased traffic.