LONDON, Ohio – Ag safety and health is one hot topic on the farm these days. Dee Jepsen, state agricultural safety and health leader, leads demonstrations and discussions on farm safety each year at Farm Science Review.

This year, Jepsen and her staff are concentrating on several key areas of concern: Safety considerations for agricultural drone tender trailers; farm stress and mental health resources; grain bin hazards; the danger of droughts; respiratory fit testing, hearing protection and proper gloves.

“Drone tender trailers is a new topic for us at Farm Science Review this year and while we’re excited to bring these trailers to the forefront we’re also a bit scared,” Jepsen said. “The ag drones that farmers use to spot spray are big and they have to be transported to the field on a trailer. Along with these trailers one oftentimes carries chemicals, pesticides and fuel. This is a big concern. Since you cannot transport many drones on a flatbed truck many companies are making special trailers. And some people go so far as to fabricate their own drone tender trailers, but there’s no criteria which makes a safer trailer to transport that drone. My first thought is ‘how to we make a safe drone trailer?’”

I might make some of these trailer manufacturers mad at me because I might recommend certain required safety precautions,” she said. “For starters, what about a required fire extinguisher or even a first aid kit. And OHSA might get involved since these operators might be working at heights and safety rails might be required. Railing is needed all over the trailer to protect the worker on these observation decks, but if you erect railing the drone cannot land. The drone will sense that an obstacle is in place and won’t land. And it should be noted that you shouldn’t drive these trailers while someone is up on scaffolding.” 

Jespen said that some companies are making double-decker trailers so the operator can sit atop the trailer and use it as an observation deck.

“Farmers and others are making and using their own trailers without any safety guidance,” she said. 

Jepsen hasn’t any written guidelines for such trailers at this time, but she will offer best recommendation practices for these trailers until official safety guidelines are in place.

“I’m not the Department of Transportation, nor am I the boss here, but I will offer some recommendation practices that farmers and others should heed to,” Jepsen said. “At this time there are no regulations in place but I’m glad to start this important conversation at Farm Science Review. I’m afraid there won’t be anything in place until someone loses a life or limb, then they’ll want rules in place.”

According to OHSA, every 10 years, 235 farmers lost their lives in an agricultural-related accident. Grain bin fatalities are steadily increasing each year. Such fatalities occur for a variety of reasons with the two most common being suffocation by engulfment and entanglement with moving parts. The Grain C.A.R.T. (Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer) will make its annual visit as well, as will the Ohio Fire Academy. At this stop visitors can learn all about safety needed around grain bins and the hazards that are there. In addition, a grain dust simulator will be on display.

The purpose of the C.A.R.T. was to build a state-of-the-art mobile grain bin rescue training unit for direct delivery training and outreach education. OSU Extension and the Ohio Farm Academy have a history of agricultural rescue education collaboration that began in the late 1980s. The program has been requested by communities, hospitals, and fire departments for on-site delivery at events such as county fairs, Bureau of Workers’ Compensation regional training events, and regional continuing education events for first responders.

“The CART creates various levels of rescue exercises that simulate real life rescue situations that first responders may encounter in rural emergencies,” Jepsen said. “By being here at Farm Science Review, we create an awareness for hazards on farms and reinforce best management practices while working in and around grain storage bins.”

The drought-like conditions throughout Ohio have caught the attention of Jepsen and her staff, too.

“We also plan to discuss the dangers that droughts bring, such as field fires and harvester fires,” Jepsen said. “These are a real concern as the fields are just so dusty.”

Ohio AgrAbility makes its presence known alongside Jepsen’s safety demonstrations. Ohio AgrAbility promotes independence for people in agriculture who want to continue to farm after experiencing a disabling condition.

Some agricultural workers acquire disabilities in off-the-farm incidents or through illness or health problems like heart disease, arthritis or cancer. Senior farmers often experience limitations, such as decreased vision or hearing loss, or loss of strength. A “Productive Tools” event will take place at FSR, one which includes an interactive equipment and vendor exhibit for farming with a disability. In addition, a Peer Network Meeting will be 1-2 p.m. each day.

The AgrAbility Bus Shuttle Service will take patrons to field demos, with pick up located at the west end of Friday Avenue.

These safety and health events will take place at 467 Land Avenue on the grounds of FSR all three days.