There are a number of areas on a farm that can easily be made safer with a little effort and investment. Most farmers and their families live, work and play at the worksite. More than 80 percent of agricultural injuries can be traced directly to farming tasks. In Pennsylvania, there were 45 farm deaths in 1998. All of this increases the chance of injury, especially when operating farm machinery.
Safety hazards involving livestock can be an unpredictable part of farm life.
Good equipment and astute livestock management can often prevent animal-related accidents. Many farmers work after retirement age, often until age 75 or 80. Farming families should be aware of the physical limits of each worker, Murphy says. In addition, the farm is a workplace for younger children. Farmers shouldn't allow children to operate tractors or machinery before they are old enough to handle the responsibility.