Farm safety and accident prevention is something that shouldn’t be taken lightly. In fact, according to 2019 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agricultural sector is still indicated as the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.

Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944. To help raise awareness of the importance of farm accident prevention and safety, here are nine helpful tips from Security Specialists:

1. Make sure machines are in good working order and practice regular maintenance.
2. Make sure that all chemicals and pesticides are labeled, locked up and out of reach from children.
3. Keep children or inexperienced people away from heavy equipment.
4. Plan ahead. Always wear the proper personal protective equipment, such as earplugs, safety goggles and boots. Make sure shoelaces are tied and you have no loose clothing that can enter a machine by mistake.
5. Always use the safety belts provided on tractors.
6. When working with livestock, make sure you avoid each animal’s “blind spot” by approaching only from the front or side where they can clearly see you.
7. Use good hand hygiene around animals. They get infections, too.
8. Wear sunscreen every day.
9. Keep your phone nearby.