SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Harvest season is always hectic, but late spring planting this year will mean an especially busy time for farmers over the next few weeks.
Illinois Department of Labor is urging farmers to focus on safety as they bring in the crops.
“From huge machinery to long hours and stress, farming poses a number of safety challenges including tractor rollovers,” said Labor Department Spokesperson Mike Matulus.
He said tractor rollovers create the most fatalities of anything on the farm.
“They should make sure that their tractors have rollover protection. And, most importantly, that rollover protection isn’t going to work unless they have their safety belt fastened as well.”
Matulus said visibility is also important, and farm vehicle should be equipped with two white lamps on the front, two red lamps on the back, and a flashing amber lamp.
Farmers are urged to take a break every couple of hours – not only to stretch their legs, but to make a quick inspection of their equipment.
Matulus said farmers also need to make sure to eat and drink plenty of fluids to stay alert.
Motorists are urged to be patient and slow down when they encounter farming equipment on the road.
