Safety Day

Program Year: 2017-18

By: Carrie Derossett, Logan County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth Development Education

               Logan County has a rich agricultural tradition. Grain production and other crops are viable in our county. With many kids living and working on the farm, we are dedicated to promoting safe operation and respect of farm equipment that is in large supply. Each September, we host all 4^th grade students from Russellville and Logan County schools to participate in our Logan County Progressive Agriculture Safety Day. The students learn about safe practices on the farm and at home. In 2017, we focused on ATV, tractor, animal, electrical, water, fire, mower, firearm, and chemical safety. Local community members including utility companies, school personnel, and first responders are involved in planning and implementing the program.

               Through this program, we brought in a roll-over tractor simulator, tractor, ATV, and lawn mower. At the conclusion of the day, a wife of a local farmer was able to talk to the group and tell her own personal farm accident story. Her husband was seriously injured in a farming accident a few years ago. We were also able to have a mock Power Take Off (PTO) accident. Students were able to see how quickly a PTO can become dangerous.

As a result of safety day, 41% of the students said that they would be more cautious around tractors, lawn mowers, ATVs or other equipment. One student stated, “Wear the right clothing and be careful around tractors and ATVs.” Another student said, “I’m going to not jump on the tractor when my dad is on it.” Several other students said that they would always wear their seatbelt.

We had over 400 students and 90 volunteers involved in this program. We will never know how many accidents were prevented though our safety day. If we can prevent one injury or save one life, our safety day has been a success.