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On Tuesday April 5, the Muskingum and Perry County Farm Bureaus hosted a joint Safety Meeting. Speakers from Cedar Ridge Behavioral Health Solutions, Mideast Career and Technology Center and Rankin and Rankin Insurance Services covered topics with the hope to help reduce accidents on the farm.

Farming continues to be one of the most dangerous occupations in Ohio. By attending the annual safety meeting, local farmers refresh their knowledge on safety measures that will help reduce accidents.

Candi Frame from Cedar Ridge opened our members eyes to how mental health affects the agriculture community. 

“The first and hardest step in recovering mental health struggles is asking for help and talking to someone,” Frame said. Those who struggle with anxiety and depression are more likely to have accidents. Remind your loved ones, it is ok to not be ok.

Brian Wilfong is the natural resource and conservation instructor from Mid-East CTC and spoke about chainsaw safety.  All chainsaws come with an owner’s manual. Wilfong recommended to always review the manual prior to use and use the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE). You only have two legs, two eyes, and two hands. Do what you can to keep it that way and wear your PPE.

Teresa Tom from Rankin and Rankin Insurance Services shared what Nationwide Insurance sees as the most prevalent farm accidents. One of the most prevalent farm claims is fires in agricultural buildings. By keeping clutter to a minimum and properly storing fuel and flammable chemicals, you can reduce your risk of having a fire.

“One of the simplest ways you can prevent a total loss is have a fire extinguisher easily accessible at all times. Having extinguishers that are in date and serviced regularly can sometimes get you a discount on your insurance as well!” Tom said.

The Muskingum and Perry County Farm Bureaus would like to remind all members and those in the community to think safety. Watch out for everyday hazards, have an emergency plan, and don’t work alone if possible. If you have to work alone, let your loved ones know where you are going and when to expect you back. No one wakes up planning on an accident affecting their life or livelihood that’s why they are called accidents.