06 Silo gas, which is nitrogen dioxide, is an extremely poisonous substance which may be
produced in deadly amounts during fermentation, especially during silo filling time. 
This can cause severe upper respiratory tract irritation or inflammation of the lungs.

07 Always be alert for strong, bleach-like odors and/or low lying yellow, red, or dark brown 
fumes that may appear in the morning after a day of silo filling.

06 Stay out of silos during filling and for three weeks after due to the risk of nitrogen 
dioxide and other gases. Secure silos to keep children out and post a silo gas warning sign 
and declare the silo off limits to everyone.

06 Good ventilation should be supplied in areas where silo gas could prove fatal to livestock.

07 Inhaling silo gas for even a short time can be deadly, especially for people that have 
such lung and respiratory ailments such as asthma and emphysema.

06 If you experience coughing, throat irritation, or chest pains while in the silo, get out 
immediately and consult your doctor.

09 Use common sense this fall when you use a chain saw to cut wood for your fireplace or 
wood burning stove.

09 There are many factors which can make chain saws hazardous. The weather, falling trees, 
saw noise and vibration, and unsafe operation are some of the factors.

09 Wind can come up or change direction unexpectedly and cause a tree to fall in the wrong 
direction. Rain, snow, and ice may lead to slips and falls. Try to avoid cutting trees under 
these conditions.

10 Certain trees can be dangerous to cut. Three types of problem trees are the widowmaker, 
spring pole, and schoolmarm.  The widowmaker is a tree with broken or dead limbs. If a limb 
fell on you, a serious injury could result.  The spring pole is a sapling that is bent and 
held down under tension by another tree. If the spring pole is cut or the other tree removed, 
the sapling could snap up and injure anyone nearby.  The schoolmarm is a tree with a prominent 
fork in the trunk or two trees grown together at the base. This is difficult to predict which 
way the tree will fall.

09 A chain saw must be properly maintained to be safe. Make sure it is a smooth running saw by 
having it properly adjusted and sharp. If it is operating correctly, you are also more likely 
to get more done with fewer interruptions.

09 The operator is the most important factor in chain saw safety. Standard equipment to have 
when using a chain saw is leather boots that are steel toed, gloves to protect your hands, 
goggles to protect your eyes from flying chips, and earmuffs to filter out intense sounds from 
the saw which could damage the ears.

10 Never cut wood alone. Make sure you and a partner work at a safe distance from each other, 
but always know where the other person is located.

09 One rule to always follow is to shut down a machine and turn off the engine when trying to 
unclog or loosen something from the machine or whenever you are put in a hazardous position. 
If left running, the moving parts could grab a piece of clothing and pull you into the machine.

10 Falls can be prevented if you use common sense. Do not place your body in an awkward 
position. Also check to see if the surface you are on is damp or your shoes are wet or muddy. 
If climbing a ladder on a grain bin, take your time. The rungs on the ladder could be slick or 
your shoes could be wet or muddy. Cages around the ladders can offer some protection against 
falls, but remember to climb carefully.

11 Use caution when moving grain augers. Be sure to always know where the power lines are 
before moving the augers from one location to another.

09 The roadways are a place where many accidents occur during harvest time because of 
traveling farm equipment. To help make motorists aware of the slow-moving equipment, display 
slow-moving vehicle signs, use flashing lights, and turn on head and tail-lights at dusk or 
during bad weather.

10 Take frequent breaks and get adequate rest during the harvest season. This will prevent you 
from becoming overly tired and making mistakes.

11 Take an extra couple of minutes to shut off the engine or disconnect the power before 
working on any piece of machinery. This simple step could prevent mishaps from occurring 
this harvest season.

09 Each day during harvest, you should check your combine to help eliminate your chances 
of having a combine fire.

10 Check for excessive trash around the engine, exhaust system, and other spinning parts 
of your combine since this can cause enough heat buildup to ignite dry crop residue.

11 Frequently check the fuel oil and hydraulic lines of your combine for any leaks. If a 
leak is found, repair it. Leaks won't stop on their own.

09 Check for damage to the insulation of electrical wiring. Also check the connections. If 
your combine blows fuses or the battery runs down often, a short may be the problem. This 
could cause sparks which could lead to a fire.

10 When finished with a combine, clean the engine and the engine compartment by using a water 
hose or high pressure cleaner. Use a putty knife or steel brush on caked oil and dust and 
solvents on oil and grease from the engine. Never use gasoline as a cleaning solvent.

11 Always carry at least a 10-15 pound dry chemical fire extinguisher in the combine and know 
the procedure for operating the fire extinguisher. In the event of a fire, shut off the engine 
immediately and always aim the extinguisher stream at the base of the fire.

03 Store grain, silage, hay, and similar materials under conditions where molds are unable to 
grow. Inspect stored crops frequently to detect signs of mold growth before it gets out of hand.
Apply water to moldy surfaces and allow dusty areas to air out to lessen moldy situations 
before a job.

03 Use a disposable mask that screens out particles of dust. If especially sensitive to mold 
or dust, use a respirator.

03 Always wear protective clothing, such as button coveralls, gloves, and hat to lessen skin 
contact with molds. When finished, remove the clothing or vacuum clean the clothing while 
still wearing the mask or respirator.

02 Regularly check the electrical system, electrical appliances and equipment, heaters, and 
heating system in your home. Immediately make repairs if needed.

02 Follow instructions when using portable heaters and wood-burning stoves and check chimneys, 
flues, and fireplaces before using.

02 Remove trash, stacks of paper, and other unneeded combustibles that could feed a fire.

02 Be prepared in case a fire would happen to occur. Place UL or FM labeled smoke detectors on 
each level of your home. Test them each week and check the batteries annually. Have fire 
extinguishers within easy reach and inspect them monthly.

02 Practice an escape plan in case of a fire. Make sure each room has a main and an alternative
exit. Specify a place outside for the whole family to meet. Remember to never go back inside a 
burning building.

10 Halloween is a time of fun for both young and old. Restrict trick or treating to your 
immediate neighborhood, treats from unfamiliar areas are an added risk.

10 Make sure Halloween costumes do not interfere with walking or obstruct vision, and can be 
easily seen after dark.

10 All Halloween treats should be inspected before eating. If you have doubts, throw it away.

01 Protect yourself and others by making safety part of every activity -- on the job, at home, 
at leisure, and on the road. Machines are replaceable if damaged or destroyed in an accident. 
But that's not true for people!

01 Protect yourself by knowing how to prevent farm injuries and illnesses. Read and follow instructions 
in manuals and on labels. Note safety and health articles in magazines and newspapers. Read 
booklets on the subject and pay attention to safety reminders on the radio/TV. But just 
knowing isn't enough -- you must act on that knowledge to reduce risk of costly injury and 
illness.

01 Protect by inspecting all equipment and facilities for hazards. Then correct them without 
delay. Learn the proper safety precautions when dealing with hazards that can't be eliminated.

01 Protect by always keeping shields and guards in place, and by stopping machines before 
servicing or dealing with operating problems. When the job dictates, use the appropriate 
personal protective equipment -- gloves, hard hat, safety shoes, respirator, safety goggles, 
etc. -- to reduce risks to your health and safety.

09 Protect at harvest time by training workers and operating all equipment "by the book". Take 
breaks to fight fatigue, especially during hot weather. When hauling harvested products or 
moving equipment on public roads, drive with care and courtesy.

01 Protect by being prepared for each activity. Have the right tools, equipment, and/or 
supplies at hand. Know and respect your limitations as well as your strengths.

01 Protect by staying fit and seeking care for health problems. Take some time to do things 
you enjoy to refresh and relax you and add balance to life.

12 Always keep a gun pointed in a safe direction.

12 When hunting, always keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

12 Always keep guns unloaded until ready to use.

01 Be competent (qualified, capable, and adequate) for the job or the purpose. Incompetence 
can result in physical injury when one is operating machinery, driving an automobile, or doing 
anything that involves significant risk. The farmer who lacks and cannot acquire the competence 
for a given task should ask someone qualified to do it.

02 Read and follow directions and recommendations in instruction manuals and product labels. 
Know how to use tools or products.

03 Attend training sessions, meetings, or demonstrations to upgrade knowledge and skills. 
Magazines, newspapers, radio and television, and the state Cooperative Extension Service are 
good sources of information.

04 Focus on the task at hand. Take work breaks to maintain alertness. When tired, get relief 
or rest.

05 Be nutrition and health conscious to maintain stamina to work long hours without undue 
fatigue.

06 Be sure workers are trained. Recognize their abilities and limitations when assigning work. 
Keep nonworkers off machinery and out of dangerous areas.

07 Avoid risky jobs such as operating machinery or using ladders when ill or taking medicine 
that affects alertness.

08 Take a vacation or get away for a few days to relax and recharge. Do something enjoyable, 
even right around home.

09 Be prepared. Be physically and mentally ready for a safe day. Read instructions before 
"opening the throttle" for real.

10 Organize work to use time well.

11 Do everything possible to make things go right. Use "slack" time to prepare for "crash"
times.  Inspect and fix tools before they are needed. Have ample supplies to get through the
job.  Extra work put in when things go wrong can raise blood pressure and risk of accidents.

12 Learn first aid and other lifesaving procedures such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation(CPR). 
Develop and practice a home fire escape plan and have smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. 
Let people know where and how long you'll be somewhere; use two-way radios.

04 Use personal protective equipment. Farmers deal with dust, chemicals, toxic gases, noise, 
sun, temperature extremes, insects, and so on. They work with powerful machinery that could 
devastate them if they contact a moving part. No matter how safely they try to work, they 
still need protection afforded by personal protective equipment, also machine guarding, 
protective enclosures, safety belts, and other devices.

05 Keep all shields in place while working. Repair or replace them when they are damaged or 
missing.

04 Equip all tractors used for fieldwork, hauling, or chores with a ROPS(Roll-over Protection 
System) cab or frame.  Consider putting ROPS on tractors not so equipped that can be fitted. 
Use safety belts with ROPS to keep within the zone of protection.

05 Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for the job. When applying chemicals or 
working in a dusty place or with toxic gases, use respiratory protection. Wear protective 
eyewear when in the shop and when using anhydrous ammonia. Use hard hats or bump caps and wear 
safety shoes.

04 Wear a safety belt when driving or riding in motor vehicles. Insist that passengers do so 
also.

05 Anytime an ATV is used, wear a safety helmet, goggles, boots, gloves, trousers, and a 
sleeved shirt.

09 Make accident and illness prevention a management goal.	

09 Read and follow instructions in operator's manuals and on product labels.  It costs nothing
to keep informed about safety and health, so each dollar saved by knowing how to prevent a
mishap can be added to your profit column.

09 Buy safe products and take good care of them.  Inspect all equipment and facilities
periodically, correcting any hazards and making needed repairs to help avoid subpar
performance, breakdowns or accidents.

09 Take needed precautions before starting a job.  Check machinery shielding and put on the
personal protective equipment appropriate for the job or working conditions.  PPE is a worthy
investment that could help you avoid injury or illness, also chronic health problems later on.

09 Be ready for medical, accident, fire and weather emergencies.

10 Keep your house and buildings free of trash, accumulations of newspapers and old clothing,
and other unneeded burnables that could feed fire.

10 Keep electrical wiring, tools and appliances in good working order.

10 Install and use a wood-burning stove as directed in the instruction manual or other
publication on the subject.  Keep chimneys and flues clean to avoid creosote buildup.

10 Read and follow instructions with portable electric or kerosene heaters.  Place them away
from combustibles and where they won't be tipped over.  Have ample  ventilation with kerosene
heaters.

10 Store flammable liquids in well-marked safety containers.

10 Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  Test detectors regularly and change
batteries as directed.  If you live on a farm, have an ample water supply for fire fighting.

12 Drive with extra care.  Heavy traffic, poor driving conditions and drinking drivers can
make holiday travel more hazardous.

12 Select a fresh Christmas tree and position it safely away from heat sources.  Check tree
light strings for faults and turn lights off before retiring.

12 Choose well-made gift toys that have:  no projections or sharp edges, UL labels if
electrical and, if for infants or tots, nothing small enough to fit into the mouth, nose or
ears.

12 If you expect company, make your house safe for guests.

12 When cooking your holiday feast, see that small children are supervised and out of harm's
way.  Turn pot handles in and watch dangling cords to frypans, toasters, etc. Wipe up spills
immediately.

12 Get rid of unnecessary clutter.  Have places for things and keep them there when not in use.

12 Repair safety hazards such as wobbly furniture, loose carpeting, weak handrails and faulty
electrical appliances and tools.  Check electric wiring and consider adding more circuits to
keep up with power demands.

12 Provide ample lighting throughout your house (and outbuildings and lots) so you can see what
you're doing and where you're going.

12 Inspect and service heating equipment prior to heating season.  Use portable electric and
kerosene heaters with care in accordance with manufacturers' instructions.

12 Wear well-fitted clothing with nothing dangling to trip you or accidentally contact an
ignition source.  Footwear should be comfortable with slip-resistant soles.  Wipe up spills.

12 Use a sturdy step stool or ladder and not chairs or makeshifts when climbing.

12 Test smoke detectors and replace batteries as required.  Develop and practice a home fire
escape plan.  Post emergency numbers at every phone.  Teach children how to get help in a hurry.

12 Make your home safe for children.  Keep dangerous items - toxic products, medicine, sharp
tools, matches, firearms, and so on - out of reach.  Also, if necessary, correct conditions
that could be hazardous to the elderly or handicapped.

01 Check for worn or damaged wires, sockets, plugs, cords - Repair or replace them promptly.

01 Inspect electrical wiring periodically.  Expand and upgrade your system to safely keep up
with growing power demands.

01 Make sure power tools and appliances are properly grounded.

01 Keep electrical appliances away from bathtubs and sinks.  Ground fault circuit interrupters
can help protect against shock in bathrooms, kitchens, shops and work areas with wet or damp
surfaces.

01 Keep portable power tools and appliances out of small children's reach.  Teach older
children how to safely use electrical things.

01 Look up when moving tall equipment and erecting long ladders near overhead power lines.

01 Know what to do if someone received a severe shock.  Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
can revive many shock victims provided it is administered within a short few minutes after
the incident.

01 Keep power and extension cords where they won't be tripped over.  Use extensions that are
"heavy" enough for the job.

02 Use the correct tool for the job.

02 Keep tools in good condition.  Check hand tools before use.  Make sure handles are free of
defects.  Keep cutting tools sharp.

02 Use and maintain power tools according to instruction manuals.  Make sure they are properly
grounded.  Keep all shields and guards in place.

02 Wear well-fitting clothing with no loose ends to catch on things.  Wear the appropriate
personal protective equipment, such as goggles when grinding.

02 Switch off and unplug power tools before changing bits or blades, servicing or repairing.

02 Keep bystanders safely back, especially when using hammers, axes, power saws, and such.

02 Put tools away after use, especially if you have young children.  Unplug or lock-out power
tools so kids can't start them.  Take measures to prevent valuable tools from being stolen.

03 Always read and follow label directions when using any chemical product or medication.

03 Select the right product for the job.  Use only the amount recommended - using more won't
improve results, but could add cost and health risk.

03 Wear personal protective equipment - respirator, goggles, rubber or plastic garb, etc. -
when using any potentially toxic or irritating chemical.  The label will tell you what sort is
needed and describe other protective measures you should employ.

03 Store all chemical products and medications in their original closed containers.  Keep them
locked or out of reach of children.

03 Be prepared for emergencies.  Post your local poison control phone number.  When applying
pesticides or using other strong chemicals, be alert for any sign of illness.

03 When finished with a chemical, return it to safe storage.  Promptly and properly dispose of
empties.

04 Follow operating, maintenance and safety instructions in your operator's manual.

04 Be personally fit and ready for a safe day.  Dress right for the working conditions,
including needed personal protective equipment such as hearing protection if the equipment
is noisy and a respirator if conditions are dusty or you are spraying chemicals.

04 Be sure other operators are trained and competent.

04 Never allow children to ride in implements.  See that they are safely back before moving.

04 Hitch heavy towed loads only to the drawbar or three-point hitchset no higher than a regular
stationary drawbar.

04 Keep all shielding in place.  Make sure that hydraulic lines are properly connected and
leak-free.

04 Shut off the power before unclogging or working on PTO-driven machines.

04 Watch where you are going.  Match ground speed to operating conditions.  Avoid obstacles,
ditches, steep slopes and such.

04 On the road, use your flashing lights and make sure your SMV(Slow Moving Vehicle) emblem
is clean and bright.  Obey all "rules of the road."

04 If you have a roll-protected cab or frame (ROPS), buckle your safety belt to stay within
the zone of protection in case of an upset.  If you don't have ROPS, find out if one could be
installed.

04 Make sure you can safely handle your ATV before doing serious riding.  Take ATV training
if it is available in your area.  Don't allow anyone to ride your ATV unless he or she is
fully competent, knows the safety requirements and is ready, willing and able to carry them out.

04 Wear the appropriate garb-safety helmet, eye protection, boots, gloves, trousers and
sleeved shirt or blouse.

04 Never carry passengers on an ATV.  But travel with another ATVer when riding in the wilds.

04 When riding your ATV, be alert for stumps, rocks, gullies, ditches, low branches, etc.
Slow down when it's slippery, when riding in tall grass, crossing shallow creeks or swamps,
and when it's bumpy enough to cause bouncing.

04 Observe local laws and regulations concerning ATV use. Ask permission to cross private lands.  Don't ride on public roads.

06 Turn off the power before unclogging or dealing with operating problems.  Use the proper
tools for the job.

06 Don't rely on hydraulics to hold up combine headers and other components.  Lock or block
them securely.

06 Keep children and non-workers off and away from machinery.

06 Adjust travel speed to ground and crop conditions.  Avoid ditches, steep slopes, obstacles,
and so on.	

06 Be sure wagons and other equipment used to transport and handle harvested crops are working
properly and operated safely.  Be extra careful when moving portable grain augers and elevators
if overhead power lines are near.

06 When hauling, obey all rules of the road.  Make sure SMV(Slow Moving Vehicle) emblems are
visible and that lights work properly.

06 Wear needed personal protective equipment(respirators, hearing and eye protection, etc.)
when working conditions dictate.  Choose comfortable, well-fitting work garb.

06 Take breaks with non-alcoholic refreshments to reduce fatigue.

07 Whatever the leisure or vacation activity, be prepared to do it well, especially swimming,
boating, biking and other activities that involve some risk of injury.

07 Take the appropriate clothing and any needed protective gear for the activities planned.

07 Before starting a trip, check your travel vehicle for road-worthiness.  Keep towed loads
within the vehicle's capacity.

07 When getting ready for a trip do advance planning to determine the best routes, the kind 
of weather you'll probably have, lodging, services available in case of emergency.

07 Drive defensively and observe all speed limits.  Everyone should wear his or her safety
belt.  Carry the little ones in approved child safety seats.  When you begin to tire, stop for
a rest or change drivers.

07 Make sure your boat is seaworthy.  Don't overload it, and have a personal flotation device
for each passenger.

08 When driving or riding in a motor vehicle, always buckle your safety belt.  Carry small
children in approved child safety seats.

08 Equip tractors used for field work, hauling and barnyard chores with certified roll-over
protection (ROPS).

08 Keep all machinery guards in place.

08 Take proper care of your equipment and vehicles to reduce chance of costly, time-wasting
and perhaps accident-producing failure or breakdown.

08 When hazards of the job or workplace require it, use the appropriate personal protective
equipment (hard hat, safety eyewear, respirator, safety shoes, etc.).  Wear work clothing that
fits well with no loose ends to catch on machinery.

08 Be alert and prepared to respond to unforeseen or sudden changes in the situation or
conditions on the job or roadway.

08 Help protect against fire by installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.  Have an
ample water supply available to fight fire.

08 Be prepared for medical, accident, fire and weather emergencies.  Learn first-aid,
including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).  Teach everyone how to get help.  Have a home
fire escape plan.

05 Tractors should have roll over protection structures(ROPS).

10 If a tractor is being operated on a public road, be sure it has a properly mounted
"slow-moving vehicle" emblem and flashing amber lights.

05 A tractor must be operated at a reasonable speed, by an adult wearing a seat belt.

04 DO NOT allow individuals of any age to ride in or on the backs of pick-up trucks, wagons,
or tractors;  to step over a rotating shaft;  to lean over a conveyor;  to hand-feed materials
into any machine with moving parts or blades;  or to use ladders in a haphazard manner.

06 When farm workers use machinery, be sure they are not wearing items that could become
entangled in moving machine parts;  i.e., jewelry, drawstrings, bandannas or ties, or loose
clothing.

09 Farm workers using all-terrain vehicles should wear helmets, goggles, pants, work boots,
gloves, and long sleeves.

10 Workers handling hay, grain, or silage inside structures should wear dusk masks.

07 Show farm workers how to mix or apply chemicals in safety attire, according to whether the
chemical is in concentrated or diluted form (see manufacturer's recommendations).

07 Chemical concentrate handlers should wear hard-hats and coveralls over regular clothing,
chemical-resistant aprons, chemical-resistant gloves and boots, face shields or goggles,
and respirators, if the chemical label so recommends.

05 DO NOT allow children under 14 to drive any motorized farm vehicle, or ride in, climb in,
stand in, or play on farm machinery.  Remember:  unusual responsibility may be admirable in
advanced youngsters, but consider what is unsafe for the average child.

10 Don't enter a bin of flowing grain.

10 Never enter a bin when unloading equipment is running, whether or not grain is flowing.

10 Don't enter a bin that has automatic unload equipment, without locking-out the control
circuit.

11 Don't enter a bin that you do not know the nature of previous grain removal, especially
if there is any crusting evident.

11 When entering a bin, always be cautious before walking on any surface crust.

10 When entering a questionable bin/storage circumstance, always have three men involved,
two on the outside and one inside.  The man in the bin should be lashed to a safety rope with
the two men outside capable of lifting him out without entering the bin.  One man outside
cannot do this, and cannot go for help and maintain preliminary aid.

09 Never work in obviously dusty-moldy grain without a respirator.  Never work in such
conditions, no matter what the protection, without a second person on safety standby.
Use a respirator capable of filtering fine dust.

04 Be aware that your tolerance to a given material may be limited, and that you should not
deliberately and knowingly expose yourself on the idea that "it won't hurt me".  Later in
life, you may have used up all of your tolerance.

09 Always be cautious when you are working with grain that has gone out of condition.  You
can have molds, blocked flow, cavities, cave-offs, crusting--it's a time to be alert.

10 Don't depend on a second person, either on the bin roof, on the ground, or any other remote
point to whom you shout instructions on equipment start or stop.
A. The equipment noise can block out commands or cries for action or assistance, and
B. The second person may fall or over-exert in the panic and haste of getting off the bin or
running to the control point.

03 Install ladders inside all bins.

09 Be aware that you can "walk a bin down" if you stay near the outside wall, and keep moving.

09 If you must enter a bin with evident danger, use a rope and safety harness to support and
lift you in the event of trouble.

09 A rope with knots or a chain with stirrups, suspended down the center from the top of the
bin, may be a useful safety addition to grain bins.  However, you should consider how you get
off the suspension and out of the bin, having had to use it, and why you ever got there in the
first place!  Performance and use of such safety units has not been proven, and the drag on
them in flowing grain may pull the roof in.

04 Talk to your children, your co-workers, your neighbors, the next time you eat or work with
them, about the hazards of flowing grain.  THEIR LIFE, YOUR LIFE, AND YOUR HAPPINESS MAY
DEPEND ON IT!

02 Acknowledge that stress exists in your life.

02 Don't minimize your reactions to stress.  If you keep stress buried inside, it is likely to
create mental and physical problems.

02 Talk about your problems with family, friends, clergy or professional counselors.  This
will help you clear your head and focus on eliminating or reducing anxiety and stress-related
ailments.

02 Get enough sleep.  If you have trouble sleeping, try light reading or listening to relaxing
music.

02 Keep all machinery in good condition.  Eliminating possible breakdowns will help reduce
stressful moments.

01 Have your vision checked by a doctor regularly.  The aging process also can decrease
peripheral vision which may affect driving performance.

05 Remember that vision is hampered the most at dawn and dusk;  avoid riding tractors at these
times.  Be aware that older drivers' eyes need more light to see well but also are more
sensitive to glare.

05 Get plenty of rest during planting, harvest and long work periods.  Take frequent breaks
to protect against fatigue and physical stress.  Drink plenty of liquids and keep them
available in your work area.  Accidents are more likely to occur after fatigue has set in.

10 Use extreme caution when operating equipment.  Be familiar with any medication you take
and its effect on reaction time.  Even over-the-counter medications can hamper reflexes and
diminish alertness, limiting your ability to operate farm tractors and machinery.

05 Make sure that a family member or fellow worker knows where you will be working.

03 Know your limitations.  Don't push your mind and body past their safe and healthy limits.

04 Wear clothing and safety gear that is appropriate for the tasks or chores at hand.  Boots
and shoes should be fully laced and loose clothing tucked in to prevent power take-off and
equipment entanglements.

04 Keep your hair neatly tucked under head gear or tied up when working around 
wrap points such as power take-offs.	

06 Be extremely careful when helping to hitch implements to tractors.  Do not get caught in a
tight location between a tractor and other farm machinery.  Learn the common hand signals
associated with safe hitching procedures.

06 Never run with scissors.

07 Always face unpredictable livestock so you can watch them at all times.  Larger farm
animals such as bulls and horses may panic or become aggressive and inflict serious injury.
Swine, especially sows with young pigs, can be very protective of their young and may injure
a person when aggravated.

07 Do not go along as an "extra-rider" on a farm tractor.  Bumpy, uneven ground, quick turns
and excessive speed may increase your risk of falling and being run over by the tractor or
trailing equipment. 

08 Keep children away from danger all day, every day.

03 Equip tractors with rollover protection (ROPS) and keep all machinery guards in place.

06 Always follow label directions when applying pesticides and using chemical products.

08 Please work, drive, play and live each day with care and concern for your safety and that
of your family and fellow citizens.

01 Make accident and illness prevention part of every job and activity.  Do what is necessary
to protect children, the elderly and others in your care.

03 Use personal protective equipment (respirator, protective goggles, safety shoes, etc.) if
the job calls for it.  Keep fit, respect your limitations  and seek proper care for health
problems.

03 Read and follow instructions in operator's manuals and on product labels.

02 Instruct employees and family workers on the proper ways to do their jobs.  Recognize their
abilities and limitations when assigning work.  Do not allow children on machinery or in
dangerous areas.  

03 Routinely inspect equipment and buildings.  Make needed repairs and improvements.
Correct hazards and avoid those that can't be eliminated.

05 Focus on the task at hand.  Watch what you are doing and where you are going.

06 Keep machinery shielding in place. Stop machines before attending to operating problems.
Wear your safety belt when operating a tractor with roll-over protection (ROPS). If it doesn't
have ROPS, see your dealer.

07 When applying pesticides, carefully follow label directions.  Wear protective gear.
Safely dispose of empty containers and left-over chemicals.  Store them in their original
containers out of children's reach.

01 Be prepared for emergencies.  Install smoke detectors and practice home fire escape.
Learn first aid.  Keep emergency numbers at every phone.

10 On public roads, obey all traffic laws, drive defensively and wear your safety belts.

02 Become familiar with every pesticide before you use it.  Know what it does and how it
does it.  Find out about the specific safety precautions, what protective equipment to wear,
signs of illness associated with use, and what to do with empty containers and leftovers.
Advise other workers of these facts.  The label on the chemical container will provide most
of the information you need.  Your dealer and extension agent are other good information
sources.

04 Use the least toxic chemical that will still be effective.  Make sure your applications
equipment is precisely calibrated to deliver the proper dosage, no more.

06 Avoid applying chemicals on windy days, when they might drift.  And, don't apply when
heavy rain is likely - it could wash the chemical away.

06 Make sure children and non-workers are out of the work area.

05 When using a chemical that could harm you if it came in contact with your body, wear
personal protective equipment-unlined liquid proof gloves, liquid-proof hat with brim, boots
and clothing, chemical goggles and perhaps face shields, and an appropriate respirator for
the chemical being used.

06 To protect ground water, be careful of spills when mixing and loading.  If a spill occurs,
clean it up promptly, fill spray tanks with water carefully to avoid spills and back-siphoning
into the well.  (Premixed pesticides or closed-system use is safer in this regard.)

07 Dry fertilizers may not be especially toxic, but breathing the dust can irritate your lungs
and throat.  A simple filter respirator will block out dry mineral dust particles.  Also,
handling dry fertilizer can dry and irritate your hands.  Gloves and/or coating hands with a
barrier cream will help.

06 Triple rinse and drain liquid containers into the spray tank.  Consult your dealer for
steps on how to safely dispose of empty containers and left-over chemicals.  Don't dump them
into any disapproved places-they could pollute ground water, wells or streams, or harm people
and animals.

06 With lower toxicity chemicals, less stringent measures will usually suffice, but they must
still be adequate.  Follow label recommendations, and limit exposure to any chemical you're
using.  If possible, avoid breathing dust, vapors or spray.  Avoid splashes and spills when
handling.  Don't eat or drink until you've washed thoroughly.  

07 After fields have been sprayed, obey the suggested re-entry period which is the length of
time before a treated area can be safely re-entered without protective garb.  Warn family
members and workers as well.  As an extra measure, post warnings around the treated areas.

12 Store pesticides in their original, labeled containers away from living areas in a place
inaccessible to children.  This storage building should be identified for fire fighters, since
special measures may be needed in case of fire.

01 Buckle up!  Use the safety belts provided in cars, trucks and tractors.

01 Keep all vehicles in safe operating condition.  Pay special attention to the tires, brakes,
lights, steering alignment, wipers, shocks, exhaust system and defroster.

01 Obey posted speed limit signs and drive slower when road and weather conditions become
unsafe.  Rural roads may be rough, narrow and have abrupt curves, hills and valleys.  Dust
and snow make travel very difficult.

06 Traffic signs at many rural intersections may be missing, damaged or hidden by vegetation.
Always slow and be prepared to stop at intersections, narrow bridges, and all rural railroad
crossings.

09 Be alert to slow-moving farm vehicles.  Most slow vehicles will have a red and orange
triangular "slow-moving vehicle" sign, as well as flashing lights.  When approaching a farm
vehicle, reduce your speed and prepared to stop.  Pass with care.

10 Watch for loose farm or wild animals on the road.  Individuals traveling through deer
country should be alert to "deer crossing" warnings.

03 Spend time with your children discussing and demonstrating farm safety.  Instruct them
about the potential hazards of pesticides, electricity, fire, farm machinery, ponds, silos
and manure storage pits.

08 Never allow a child on a tractor as an extra rider.

07 Watch out for children playing in your work area.

05 Set aside a special outdoor area for play away from farm equipment, stock ponds, chemicals
and livestock.

04 Impress upon children the dangers associated with large and unpredictable livestock.

04 Assign work chores on the basis of a child's age and maturity.

05 Ensure that young people who drive tractors or operate other farm machinery are adequately
trained.  In some communities, the State Association of Young Farmers offers driving safety
courses.

08 Store pesticides and other toxic chemicals in their original containers under lock and key.  Store fertilizer and treated seed securely.

08 Clean and dispose of empty pesticide containers properly.

04 Be a positive role model.  Children imitate what they see.  Farmers and ranchers who
observe safety precautions are likely to have children who follow them too.