Put safety first and avoid the worst when it comes to using tractors with a new series of tractor safety videos for Florida farmers.
The Ag Industry is one of the most dangerous, with “23 fatalities per 100,000 full-time workers” every year, according to a UF/IFAS blog citing statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The blog maintains that tractors are the source of many injuries and worse on a farm. To combat this, and in observance of Farm Safety Week—September 21st– 27th— the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) created tractor safety videos tailored to Florida farmers and their working environments. See the details below.
Details of the Tractor Safety Videos
UF/IFAS assistant professor of agricultural and biological engineering, Serap Gorucu, the leader of the development team for the videos, said in the article, ““Tractors are one of the most widely used and perilous vehicles on farms. Many injuries and fatalities occur because of preventable mistakes, outdated practices or a lack of awareness about risks. These videos provide farmers, workers and even the general public with clear information on safe tractor operation and hazard prevention.”
There are five videos in the Tractor Safety Series, and they are all under 10 minutes long. The article shared that the tractor safety videos include these key safety lessons:
- “Never assume common sense is enough. Many hazards are not obvious until something goes wrong.
- Safe operating speed and awareness of slopes, ditches and soft ground reduce rollover risk.
- Keep children and non-operators away from tractors at all times.”
Gorucu said in the article, “Sharing these videos also helps foster a culture of safety within the community. The key points highlighted in the series serve as important reminders, but one-time training is not enough. Regular refresher sessions are essential to ensure that everyone stays informed and aligned on safety practices.”
Griffin Fertilizer is committed to helping both growers and ranchers make sound agronomic and economic decisions in order to maximize the health of their grove and pasture. As a full-service custom dry & liquid fertilizer blender and crop protection product distributor, we will continue our mission to further advance Florida agriculture. For questions -or concerns about your farm or pasture, contact us and one of our team will be in touch.