
Sparta, Wisc. — The harvest season is exciting and especially busy for rural communities, but Mayo Clinic Health System providers understand how dangerous it can be for farmers. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries.
Emergency physician at Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta, Howard Schumaker, M.D., says,“We’ve seen everything from broken bones and amputations to even more unfortunate trauma situations,” Schumaker continues. “What’s most troubling is that many of them could have been prevented. Farmers often feel the need to hurry to complete their work in the fields due to quickly changing or unpredictable weather. We just want everyone to slow down and to make sure they get their work done safely and efficiently.” Schumaker echoes a tip his Grandfather gave him, “Remember that the machinery can be your best friend but treat it like it is always waiting to hurt you; the minute you let down your guard it will be too late!”
Other things Dr. Schumaker would like farmers to remember this fall include:
“An additional tip that applies to everyone: Please be extra cautious driving farm machinery on the roadways,” Schumaker says. “Farm vehicles need to travel slowly on occasion. We just want everyone to be careful this harvest season.” The American Society of Agricultural Engineers (ASAE) recommends that farm vehicles use flashers on the front and rear whenever they are on roadways, not just after dusk. Drivers need to provide enough space for farm equipment and to slow down around them.
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