Spring weather is creeping in, and with it comes a renewed optimism for another growing season. As producers work to get their fields ready, the National Pork Board has some recommendations for keeping everyone safe out there this growing season.
“We fail to give each task the attention and the respect that it really requires to complete that task safely. And that’s when those preventable accidents occur,” Marguerite Tan, director of environmental programs says.
With planting season comes the need to spread manure. And officials say having extra pairs of PPE should be top of mind.
“Have extra sets in your equipment, have extra sets in your shop. If they’re easily accessible, you are more likely to reach for that PPE and use it than if you have to walk, you know, out to the shop, which is you know, maybe a five-minute round trip to actually grab your PPE,” Tan said.
Having the equipment is one thing. Tan says it’s important to check that equipment and make sure all safety tags are in place. She says any and all loose clothing should be eliminated before operating high speed machinery.
“Making sure that those driveline guards are in place on those PTOs and making sure they are intact. There’s a reason that those safety stickers are on there and I know even though it’s really easy for us to ignore them or joke about them, they are truly hazards that we do need be respectful of,” Tan said.
