harvest

Media Advisory: Mayo Clinic Expert Discusses Common Farm Injuries     The rush to bring crops in can create a hectic, hazardous harvest season, which means increasing the possiblity of farm accidents. But many agricultural injuries can be prevented, according to emergency medicine physician Howard Schumaker, M.D.,M.B.A., of the Mayo Clinic Health System in Sparta, Wis.  “We’ve seen everything from broken bones and amputations, to unfortunate traumatic situations. Many times farmers feel that due to the weather, they need to hurry to complete their field work." To interview Dr. Schumaker contact: Rick Thiesse  608-392-9435  Thiesse.Ricky@mayo.edu   Dr. Schumaker has these saftey tips:

• Regular inhalation of dust from grain bins, silos, milk vats and manure pits can cause respiratory issues such as bronchitis and other dangerous cardiac conditions. Wearing a mask over your nose and mouth can reduce risk.
• Farm vehicles such as tractors and all-terrain vehicles cause many injuries, particularly among children. Wearing a seat belt and helmet can help prevent traumatic brain injuries or even death. Children should be supervised and given only age-appropriate tasks and access to vehicles and other farm gear.