Harvest season is getting underway across Iowa, and farmers and motorists are being reminded to slow down, stay alert and make safety a priority.
National Farm Safety and Health Week is being observed this week through Sept.25, with this year’s theme, “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow,” highlighting the importance of safety and well-being during one of the busiest times of the agricultural year.
Long hours, heavy equipment and increased farm traffic can create additional risks on Iowa farms and rural roads. Farmers are encouraged to get adequate rest, properly maintain equipment and avoid taking shortcuts when operating machinery.
Safety Tips for Drivers
Motorists are likely to encounter farm equipment on Iowa roads throughout the harvest season. Drivers are encouraged to:
- Be patient and wait for a safe opportunity to pass slow-moving equipment.
- Keep a safe distance, particularly when farm machinery is slowing down or turning.
- Watch for signals from farm equipment operators, including hand signals, since large machinery may make wide turns.
- Avoid distractions, including texting or using a cellphone while driving.
Safety Reminders for Farmers
Farmers should regularly inspect and maintain equipment, making sure guards, lights, signals and other safety features are working properly.
Everyone operating farm equipment should have proper training. Farmers are also encouraged to use appropriate protective equipment, including gloves, goggles and hearing protection, and keep chemicals in their original, properly labeled containers.
Extra caution is needed around grain bins. Farmers should avoid entering a grain bin unless necessary and should have the proper training and safety equipment. They should also never work alone when entering a grain bin.
Emergency supplies should also be readily available, including a stocked first-aid kit, working fire extinguisher and a charged cellphone.
Farm Stress and Mental Health
Harvest can be physically demanding, but the stress and economic pressures associated with agriculture can also affect mental health.
Farmers and agricultural workers are encouraged to get enough sleep, take regular breaks and stay connected with family, friends and neighbors. Iowa State University Extension and Outreach offers farm stress resources developed in part through a grant from the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
The Iowa Concern Hotline provides confidential support at 800-447-1985.
For help with alcohol, drugs, gambling, mental health or suicidal thoughts, Your Life Iowa can be reached at 855-581-8111, by text at 855-895-8398 or through its online chat.
For immediate crisis support, call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
As harvest activity increases across Iowa, officials are encouraging everyone who shares the road with farm equipment to slow down, stay focused and give agricultural workers the extra time and space they need to get the job done safely.
