330.359.8002
October 24 , 2024 The Beacon • 47
Kinzel shares several tips for harvest time safety
Hello Coshocton County . My name is Brett Kinzel , and I am the new agriculture and natural resources extension educator for Coshocton County . I grew up in the northwest corner of the county , where I was raised around agriculture on my grandparents ’ farm . I was active in 4-H throughout my youth , showing market hogs and dairy cattle .
I am a recent graduate of the Ohio State University , where I majored in agriculture communications . I am excited to be back in my home county , and I am looking forward to meeting and working with the community I grew up in .
I was pleased to see so many of you at the 53rd Coshocton County Fall Foliage & Farm Tour . I hope everyone learned a little bit about the north central part of the county and got to see how beautiful Coshocton County is during the fall season .
Another cornerstone of the fall season is harvest . Farmers are in full swing harvesting both corn and soybeans throughout our county . It is important
to keep safety measures in mind as we are on the farm and on the road . On the farm , grain bin safety is somewhere farmers can start .
It is important to think about precautions for inside and outside the grain bin facility . It is recommended all work be performed outside of the bin to eliminate the risk of entrapment . If you must enter the grain bin , make sure to have someone with you and always have a second person remaining outside the point of entry . Also make sure any electrical equipment is turned off and that it cannot be turned back on while workers are inside . Consider helpful tools like a ladder on the inside of the bin to assist in emergency exits .
For respiratory protection , having an N95 mask on hand can protect the nose and mouth from 95 % of the respirable grain dust . The mask also will help
prevent inhalation of any vomitoxins that are present with corn .
Lastly , consult with your local first responder units . Invite your local first responders for a tour of your operation and discuss the resources that are available for potential scenarios that may happen . Keeping your fire and EMS units involved in your operation can help prevent lifethreatening situations .
As you are on your daily drive to work or out and about this month , you may have noticed some farm equipment on the road . During harvest season there is an increased number of tractors , combines or other slow-moving vehicles on the roads . Understanding roadway safety is a shared responsibility between the public and the farmers / operators driving the equipment . Here are a few ways to make sure we
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Farmers , verify that all lights and flashers on your farm equipment are working properly . Use warning flashers , flags , lights and slow-moving vehicle emblems on all equipment . Be mindful of the height of your farm equipment and avoid any power lines , low bridges and other overhead
It is important to think about precautions for inside and outside the grain bin facility . It is recommended all work be performed outside of the bin to eliminate the risk of entrapment . If you must enter the grain bin , make sure to have someone with you and always have a second person remaining outside the point of entry .
obstacles . Make sure to transport your combine head separately from the combine when moving on roadways . Use turn signals and hand signals to communicate with fellow drivers . Lastly , avoid driving distractions and always stay aware of fellow drivers .
Auto drivers , be patient . Farmers will pull large equipment to the edge of the road to allow you to pass when available . Farm equipment and tractors drive typically between 5-15 mph , so make sure to slow down when approaching . Leave as much room as possible when you meet large equipment on the road . Expect large equipment to take wider turns and to even travel into both lanes when turning . Do not pull out in front of equipment and suddenly slow down . It is harder for large equipment to make sudden stops , so be mindful . Watch for any turn signals , hand signals or other ways farmers may try to communicate with you .
I ’ m excited to be able to share information with you through this column . Email me with any agriculture and natural resources questions at kinzel . 40 @ osu . edu . Until next time , stay safe out there !
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