Farming hazardous Most people recognize that farming can be a dangerous occupation. But few of us realized that farming is recognized as the second most hazardous industry in the nation. That fact was revealed last week during the observance of National Farm Safety and Health Week. We are currently right in the middle of one of the most hazardous seasons of farming. All across Siouxland farmers are harvesting corn and soybean fields, often working very long hours to get the job done.
Long hours lead to fatigue and fatigue can lead to accidents.
It's not surprising that tractor overturns remain the greatest source of fatal injury on the farm. What is surprising is how few tractors you see equipped with an approved roll-over structure. This, combined with use of seatbelts, could prevent many tragedies. These structures are available for almost all tractors built since 1974 and many tractors of a more vintage nature. Age is also a factor.