Article

Provided by Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation

According to data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 13 agriculture-industry related fatalities in Ohio in 2020. It’s a shocking number of lives lost and serves as an important reminder that agriculture accidents can often be catastrophic. The Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation believes that even one fatality on the job is too many, and offers help for businesses of all sizes to prevent incidents before they happen.

BWC’s free safety consulting services link Ohio’s agriculture employers with safety and health professionals who will work to help reduce the risk of workplace injuries and illnesses.

“The goal of our safety services is to support all employers in their efforts to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. We like to assess the hazards we see, prioritize recommendations to the customer, and then help with any questions they might have in making those improvements,” said Mona Weiss, a BWC safety consultant who serves all types of businesses in northwest Ohio.

Weiss would like to do more work with those in the agriculture industry. Currently, she sees a few recurring areas where safety in agriculture can be improved.

Agriculture machinery hazards

Hazards with farm machinery, tractors and all-terrain vehicles can lead to a variety of incidents including rollovers and crashes, mounting and dismounting risks, and bodily injuries. A basic free hazard assessment can help with injury prevention specific to your agriculture operation’s equipment and working areas.

BWC reminds you to “think safety” when buying new or used equipment, select equipment that includes safety features to protect yourself and your workers, and ensure operators have been properly trained on how to use each particular piece of equipment.

Grain bin safety

One common safety hazard seen in granary operations that may often be overlooked is dust accumulation. Grain dust can produce an explosion in a confined area when it becomes airborne and comes in contact with an ignition source such as an electrical motor, welding, cutting, open flame, overheated conveyor system, or hot exhaust. Accumulation should only be ⅛ inch or less to avoid potential dust combustion.

Engulfment hazards and safety practices with workers entering grain bins is another area that deserves attention. This brochure provides grain bin storage and handling tips and resources to prevent engulfment, equipment and fall hazards.

Safety communication

Believe it or not, communication issues can be a large safety concern, especially for those who have migrant workers. Making sure all workers clearly understand safety procedures and processes must be a priority. If there are any language barriers, safety issues may be overlooked or not communicated clearly. BWC consultants can provide communication resources and advice for working with language barriers and cultural differences.

Your consultant will connect you to additional tools, such as safety webinars, training, self-inspection checklists, safety program templates and more that relate to your specific operation.

Get your safety consultation scheduled today! Contact your local BWC service office, call 800-644-6292, or submit a request online. Please have your BWC policy number ready. A safety consultant will contact you within two business days.

Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. We’ve got you Covered.

Established in 1912, the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is the exclusive provider of workers’ compensation insurance in Ohio, serving 249,000 public and private employers. With nearly 1,600 employees and assets of approximately $25 billion, BWC is one of the largest state-run insurance systems in the United States. For more, visit bwc.ohio.gov.