Safety first. A motto commonly used, and one ever so important at R.D. Offutt Farms.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, agriculture is ranked as one of the most dangerous industries. And, fall harvest can be one of the most dangerous times of the year when tractors are traveling down the road, farming equipment is running, and trucks are transporting fresh produce.
Because of the dangers in our line of work, we emphasize the importance of safety 365 days a year. Educating about potential dangers, teaching how to avoid common accidents, and creating protocols with safety in mind are what we have done to help protect employees.
This week, we want to acknowledge our team’s dedication to maintaining a safe environment while at work so they can return home to their families each night.
At R.D. Offutt Farms, we have worked together to create a comprehensive harvest safety program that includes:
- Safety materials are offered in both English and Spanish, covering a range of protocols and potential dangers to watch out for.
- Training videos are reviewed at the start of the season, covering topics like truck driving and potato line safety.
- A safety pledge and training acknowledgment is signed by everyone confirming they have completed all harvest training before starting work.
- Situational awareness is encouraged. If a potential danger is observed, they are encouraged to speak up and problem-solve to alleviate the possible dangerous situation.
- Awareness around electrical work, including The Seven Golden Rules:
- Treat all electrical as hot.
- Never rely on a switch or power disconnect.
- Machine guard all hazards.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Everyone is expected to call out hazards.
- If you don’t know, don’t guess—ask.
Farm safety is a team effort. We applaud the R.D. Offutt Farms crew for their commitment to safety. Here’s to a bountiful and safe harvest!
