Manure storages pose numerous dangers, and safety training for family and employees could save a life.

Manure storages pose numerous dangers, and safety training for family and employees could save a life.

Now is the time to protect your family from the hazards of farming.

Farming is a rewarding way of life for many; however, it is a lifestyle that unfortunately has many risks associated with it.

Dairy educator Cassie Yost points out those risks can come from physical dangers in every area of the farm as well as psychological dangers.

There are many hazards to those of all ages associated with farming, and unfortunately farm families grow so used to their daily routines that some of these hazards are often overlooked.

Fatalities and injuries occur with farm machinery and equipment, animals, storage structures such as manure pits and silos, logging accidents, and more.

Staying informed about the potential dangers around the farm is important not just for farmers, but also for individuals who spend time visiting farming operations, as accidents can happen in a matter of seconds.

From 2015 to 2019, 137 farm-related fatalities were reported in Pennsylvania. In 2020, 39 farm and agricultural fatalities were reported, an increase in fatalities compared to previous one-year summaries.

Ten of the cases (26%) were youths and children 19 years and younger. This is slightly higher than the 2015 to 2019 average of 22% of victims being in this age group.

As is typically the case, the majority of victims were male. A complete list of reported incidents and breakdowns can be found in the Pennsylvania Farm Fatal Injury Summary (extension.psu.edu/2020-pennsylvania-farm-fatal-injury-summary).

When it comes to machinery on farms, it’s essential to stay vigilant and familiar with the equipment being used. All members of the family should be trained in equipment safety, power take-off safety, safe starting and stopping of machinery, and ways to stay out of blind spots.

When small children are on the farm, learning equipment safety could mean the difference between life and death.

Vehicles were again a leading source of fatalities in 2020, accounting for 14 of the 39 fatalities. Only three of the vehicle fatalities occurred with highway vehicles, with tractors and ATVs being especially hazardous.

Manure pits on farms are one of the most dangerous areas on the farm, and extreme caution should be used around them.

Not only do manure pits present drowning and entrapment hazards, but they can also produce gases can be dangerous to both animals and humans.

Gases produced from decomposing manure include hydrogen sulfide, methane, ammonia and carbon dioxide.

Hydrogen sulfide is the most dangerous of these gases and can result in death after just one or two breaths at high levels.

This gas can be detected by a distinctive rotten egg odor at very low levels. However, when manure in pits is agitated or being pumped, hydrogen sulfide can increase to dangerous levels at which nerve cells inside the nose become paralyzed and cannot detect those odors.

In addition to following safety protocols around manure collection systems, farmers can use gas detection meters to watch for these dangerous gases.

Gases from fermenting feeds in upright silos are also very dangerous, and anyone working around these structures must be very cautious.

Individuals can become unresponsive in a matter of seconds while working around both manure pits and upright silos, so extreme caution must be used, and farmers should never enter these structures without using personal protective equipment and informing others of their whereabouts.

Unfortunately, another component of the summary of farming fatalities is suicide, accounting for eight of the 39 reported deaths.

Farming comes with many daily stressors, including cropping decisions, weather conditions, feed and commodity prices, rising fuel and fertilizer expenses, varying milk prices, pressures from animal activists, satisfying consumer needs, staying in compliance with numerous regulations, and maintaining a work-life balance.

It is easy to see why people can become stressed and very overwhelmed. Recognizing the signs of stress in your family members, coworkers, friends, or neighbors can be critical to preventing such tragic situations.

There are numerous resources available (extension.psu.edu/farm-stress-and-wellness-resources) to provide some guidance on how to manage difficult situations and especially on being able to recognize symptoms of someone who may be struggling.

Farming means so much more to farmers than the public realizes. Farmers take pride in their work — achieving good crop yields, raising healthy and productive animals, and providing safe and healthy products for human consumption.

What many may not realize is the stress and dangers of managing and achieving those goals come with a personal toll as well.

If you are concerned about the well-being of anyone that you may know, please do not hesitate to talk to them, offer assistance if you can, and reach out to any of the resources that are available.

There are numerous helplines available. Please add these numbers to your phone so they are readily available if needed

• AgriStress Helpline: 833-897-2474, available 24/7

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Dial 988 or 800-273-8255, or text GO to 741741, for those in need of emotional support day or night

• Rural Response Hotline: 800-464-0258, Monday to Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Free personal counseling and financial/legal services and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: 800-662-4357

“Search others for their virtues, thy self for thy vices.”

Leon Ressler is a Penn State Extension educator in Lancaster County.

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Leon Ressler is a Penn State Extension educator based in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.

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