Synthetic chemical use is often a part of farming and agriculture. Pesticides can be serious irritants to skin, eyes, and lungs, can affect your internal organs and your health in the short and long-term. Avoiding and/or reducing use of toxic chemicals reduces these risks. However, if you are handling chemicals, take time to implement best practices, like using PPE and following labels carefully. Whether you do your own application, use treated seed, or spot applications on the field, using the right PPE is an important step in your health and safety. …

Spring and fall are some of the busiest seasons for farm equipment on the road, so gear up for a safe, attentive year on the roads. Rural roads pose special dangers with curves, two-way traffic, slow-moving farm vehicles, wildlife, narrow lanes, and more. Whenever you hit the road with your machinery for field-work, check on your equipment and roadway habits to reduce the risk of a roadway incident. …

Fatigue has serious negative impacts on physical and mental health. Operating machinery when you’re sleep deprived can be as dangerous as operating machinery under the influence. While seasonality is a part of farming, it is important to be aware of the consequences fatigue can have, and what you can do to promote safety and health on your farm. …