ACRE Safety Thought #30

Each summer we always expect heat and humidity. Hazards at ACRE during the hot days of summer might include heat stress and sunstroke. Workers can refresh at the Research Building. It has 2 water fountains, an employee breakroom area, as well as, a refrigerator and cola machine. Fluids are available. Shade is available during breaks at the picnic table area. Many employees have their own water jugs to provide fluids as needed. Consider freezing water bottles about 3/4 full and finish filling with water so they last until the next break. A hat with a wide brim would help too. A supervisor might think about providing a 5 gallon water jug and paper cups if a big crew is involved. Get ice from the campus machine or at a service station on the way out. There is no reason to work until you are sick but there is no reason for a healthy adult to not work in this weather with available fluids and a few cool down breaks. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE

ACRE Safety Thought #29

If an accident does happen at the ACRE resulting in injury then certain decisions and actions must follow. If the injury is life threatening or serious then activate the “911” system. It is critical to know the farm address of “4540 US Hwy 52 West, West Lafayette, IN.” Also it will be beneficial to know that you are in “Wabash Township”, since the first responders will be from this local volunteer department. Since the farm is a very big place it will be important to communicate exactly where the injured person is. Appropriate first aid may be required until emergency responders arrive. Other less serious injuries can be treated through approved medical providers. The Purdue PUSH facility no longer treats employee injuries, but many options still exist for treatment and vary by time of day. All work related injuries must be reported to a supervisor and a “First Report of Injury” form must be completed. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #28

When the corn gets tall enough that visibility at field corners is reduced, it is critical to slow down or stop as needed at field intersections with low visibility. Driving habits must be altered during the summer growing season. Please remind all drivers of this hazard and the need to adjust driving procedures. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #27

Hazards at ACRE include plot threshers and sample choppers. These implements many include hazards from Power-Take-Off shafts, engines, motors, belts, and pulleys. Additionally the open throat where material is fed into the device presents another hazard. All shielding and guards must be in place. Avoid loose clothing that might get caught in the equipment. Avoid sticking a hand or foot into the feeder throat to push plant material through. Operate safely by using the owners manual and get training before starting. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #26

I think air conditioning has made us all a little more sensitive to heat stress. Hazards at ACRE during the summer include heat stress and sunstroke, so be aware of working conditions. At ACRE we have 2 water fountains in the Research Building’s employee breakroom area, as well as, a refrigerator and cola machine. Fluids are available. Shade is available during breaks. My employees have their own water jugs to provide fluids as needed. I personally freeze water bottles about 3/4 full and finish filling with water so they last until the next break. A hat with a wide brim would help too. A supervisor might think about providing a water cooler and paper cups. Get ice from the campus machine or at a service station on the way out. There is no reason to work until you are sick but there is no reason for a healthy adult to not work in hot Indiana weather with available fluids and a few cool down breaks. Does anyone remember the 105 degree heat during the summer of 1988? Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #25

One thing about putting safety first in your work environment is having a good attitude about safety. Remember “You don’t know when you were too safe, but you know when you weren’t safe enough. It is an injury caused by a accident.” Put safety first. Think, plan, train, and work safely at ACRE

ACRE Safety Thought #24

Encounters with nature are really part of ACRE’s mission. But when one unexpectedly meets up with a skunk, fox, coyote, fawn, or many other wildlife possibilities in fields, plots, or barns at ACRE the results may not be what we want. The hazard to humans could include a sudden scare, an animal bite, or a mauling. The situation is more threatening when a mother animal and off spring are involved. Be especially careful in these situations and always leave the little ones alone. Animal transmitted diseases are also a possible hazard. First remember we share the landscape with these animals and we should expect to see them. Stay calm and back off to avoid a confrontation. In most situations the animal will want to avoid you too. Decide how you are going to proceed with your work and if the animal leaves the area. We can get advice or help on individual situations from Purdue’s Animal Control group. Remember to think, plan, train, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #23

With 35 buildings and barns at the ACRE, cleaning is a challenge. During the summer many projects decide to clean up their assigned space in barns or bins. If chemical or biological hazards are present, then extra precautions must be used. Since regular cleaning many be neglected or deferred to the summer, the amount of dirt, dust, and build-up may increase exposure load. Barn dust and grain dust can present special hazards due to molds, toxins, or the hanta virus, especially if it is a rodent contaminated area. Ventilation, bleach solution sprays, and personal protective equipment are all recommended when cleaning these dirty areas. You might not want to use a “shop vacuum” in these areas since the vacuum may actually pass infected particles into the air more than simple sweeping and mopping. If farm chemicals are found during clean-up they must be handled and disposed of properly. Don’t hesitate to ask REM for advice and safe procedures for cleaning these areas. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE.

ACRE Safety Thought #22

Farm implements are a vital part of growing crops at ACRE. Crushing injury can be a hazard when working under an implement that has been lifted for service, repair, or adjustment. The sudden release of hydraulics, springs, chains, or other lifting mechanisms of the implement must be avoided when working under the potential hazard. Safety stops or chocking devices must be in place to hold back a sudden release of the lifted implement every time you or your employees work under an implement or other similar hazard. Cement blocks are not acceptable chocking devices. In certain instances “Tag-out/lock-out” regulations will dictate the safety protocol. Remember; think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim

ACRE Safety Thought #21

Working outside at ACRE during the summer may expose some employees to heat stress that they are not used too, especially if they are accustomed to indoor air conditioning. You and your employees can reduce this risk on particularly hot days when working outdoors at ACRE. Protection can include drinking plenty of fluids, shading with a wide brim hat, scheduled breaks, added breaks during extremely hot or humid days, and observation of one another’s body stress signs. ACRE provides a 24 hour employee break area in the Research Building, Restrooms, water fountains, refrigerator, and cola machine are all available. For added safety the emergency telephone is available 24/7 in the Research Building for 911 calls. Think, plan, and work safely at ACRE. Jim