How many of us have taken the safety shield off of a lawn mower to keep it from bogging down and making a rough cut? Have you ever leaned over the edge of a moving golf cart to pick up a golf ball instead of stopping and stepping out? What about something as simple as not putting out a candle before we left the room? We all have done something which seems so minor, yet could bring extreme damage or pain to ourselves or those around us.
While setting down to catch up on some reading in an agriculture magazine, I came across an article about farm safety. The ironic thing to me about the article was though it was wrote for an ag magazine, it could have, and probably should have, been published in every media outlet.
The third week of every September is proclaimed as Farm Safety and Health Week by President FDR in 1944.
From the time I was little until the time of his passing, I can always remember my grandpa saying to me, “you only have one set of eyes which cannot be replaced, use safety goggles.” The same rings true with him listing my fingers, toes, arms, legs and about any other extremity you can think of. He was concerned, above all things, about my safety and well-being. But can you blame him? After all, I was his all-time favorite grandkid.
The article got me to thinking about my own kids and their safety on and around the farm, as well as their health. It was refreshing to know I was not the only parent on a farm or ranch who would not let my children operate any equipment which did not have a proper safety guard or shield. Too many accidents happen which are truly that, an accident. I would not let that happen on my watch due to a broken or damaged safety shield.
The most important statement made during the whole article was the very last sentence. It put all of what I have had stressed to me by my grandpa and father in one saying which I will pass on to you, and to my kids and their kids someday.
Very simply put, “Farm Safety Week lasts only seven days, but farm families are encouraged to practice safety 365 days a year!!”
Until next time,
Dan
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