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You’ve probably heard or read the precautions a hundred times. But as farming continues to be one of America’s most dangerous occupations, it makes sense to reconsider a few steps to make this a safe spring season on your farm.

"Now is the time to take a look at your equipment," suggested Hank Bartholomew, senior loss control representative for Nationwide Agribusiness Insurance. "For the sake of your family and your farm operation, you want to be sure you are doing everything possible to make this a safe planting season."

Some of the pre-planting practices recommended by Bartholomew include:

• Check to make sure that all exposed Power Take Off units are properly guarded.
• Be sure that Slow Moving Vehicle emblems are properly positioned and in good shape.
• Perform a daily visual inspection before operating a tractor. During the inspection, pay close attention to hoses, fuel lines, belts, fittings and wiring.
• Make sure brakes are in proper working order.
• Never allow extra riders on tractors, farm implements, wagons and trailers or in the bed of a pickup truck.

To help create a safe environment on farms, Bartholomew and other loss control professionals at Nationwide are prepared to work directly with farmers to address complex or everyday safety issues.

"We can provide individualized solutions to help minimize hazards that farmers face every day," offered Bartholomew. He said as part of the largest insurer of farms in the United States, "We know this is an important service to help keep our customers and their farms safe."

Another precaution farmers should consider before planting season is to secure farm chemicals against theft.

"Chemical theft has become more prevalent because of the value of herbicides and pesticides, and because anhydrous is used in the production of methamphetamines," explained Bartholomew.

He suggested keeping all chemicals locked in a building that is well lighted and easily visible. Better yet, if you’re purchasing chemicals now for use in the spring, he said to ask your dealer to store them until you need them.

Anhydrous ammonia is an especially attractive target for thieves who sell it or use it for production of methamphetamines. To prevent a tragedy and further crime, take precautions to ensure that access valves are locked.

For more information about farm safety and loss prevention, call 1-937-642-9824, or contact a Nationwide agent or county Farm Bureau.