National Farm Health and Safety Week Is Coming Up
National Farm Health and Safety Week Is Coming Up
September 12th – 18th is National Farm Safety and Health Week. With the motto “Farm Safety Yields Real Results,” the week is focused on spreading awareness about how to farm safely, including everything from using heavy equipment as directed to caring for farm animals properly.
Dangers of Agriculture
Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous sectors in the American workforce with hundreds of fatalities every year, so it is important to get educated on the various aspects of farming that can be dangerous.
With that in mind, each day of the week has its own topic.
• Monday is Tractor Safety and Rural Roadway Safety
• Tuesday is Overall Farmer Health
• Wednesday is Safety and Health for Youth in Agriculture
• Thursday is Agricultural Fertilizer and Chemical Safety
• Friday is Safety and Health for Women in Agriculture
Animal Care
Just as it is necessary to use caution when working with heavy machinery, it is likewise crucial to be careful when working with animals on the farm. Like humans, they thrive on routine, so establish these early on and stick to them. Clean and dry environments are vital to keeping animals of all kinds healthy and happy, so keep their areas neat and free of excrement and excess moisture to keep disease and other sicknesses at bay.
While handling methods will be different depending on the animal, most animals respond best to a calm presence and a steady hand. Let your animals know you are approaching with sound or steady movement. Avoid loud noises and erratic movements when possible to keep from frightening them and putting yourself in possible danger. When working with larger livestock, make sure to use slow and gentle movements. Ensure you have a safe route to get away from the animals if something should go wrong.
Safety is of utmost importance when working on the farm. For more information about how to care for your animals, check out Pet Hospitals of Hawaii's blog.
Waipahu Waikele
Kailua
Pet Specialists of Hawaii
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