As agricultural producers do year-round work on the farm, it’s important that they remember to maintain safety procedures. With this in mind, Penn State Extension professionals have put together a new calendar for 2017 that’s designed to raise awareness of the hazards that can put farmers at risk.
Each month of the calendar focuses on a specific hazard and ways for farmers to stay safe. The 2017 topics focus on manure storage, farm animals, guarding of components, skid steers, power takeoff, confined spaces, hazard communication, tractor safety, horizontal silos, personal protective equipment, hazardous energy and electrical systems.
"A calendar is a great way to keep safety practices front and center for dairy farmers," said Dennis Murphy, Nationwide Insurance Professor of Agricultural Safety and Health. "It is an efficient way to remind dairy workers to keep safety in mind as they go about their daily work."
Calendar users have the ability to take notes on safety areas that need improvement and develop protocols based on their observations.
"Posting in a prominent area and holding monthly safety meetings to review key points are two ways for dairy managers to encourage safe habits in their workforce," said Lisa Holden, associate professor of dairy science in the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences.
The 2017 Farm & Dairy Safety Calendar can be purchased here for $10, plus shipping. Farmers can also call toll free 877-345-0691 to purchase with a credit card.