Safety today, success tomorrow

By Dee Jepsen, Ohio State University

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21-25, 2026. This annual event reminds us that the choices we make today shape the success of tomorrow. The theme “Safety Today, Success Tomorrow” highlights the critical connection between safe work practices and the productivity and sustainability of our farms, ranches, and agricultural communities.

Agriculture remains one of the nation’s most demanding occupations, making safety awareness and injury prevention essential for everyone involved, from farmers and farm families to agricultural workers and youth. Taking time to identify hazards, maintain equipment, use proper personal protective equipment, and prioritize physical and mental well-being can prevent injuries and save lives. The Fatal Five for Ohio farmers are highlighted here.

1. Tractor and machinery incidents

Tractor rollovers, runovers, PTO entanglements, and injuries involving moving machinery remain the leading causes of severe injuries and fatalities. These injuries rise during harvest season, when there is increased exposure to hazards.

2. Grain bin entrapment and grain handling hazards

Grain storage facilities add risks from grain engulfment, falls, auger entanglements, and hazardous atmospheres inside the bins. When grain goes out of condition, entrapment hazards increase, and these incidents often have fatal outcomes.

3. Roadway transportation

Moving farm equipment on public roads creates dangers for both farmers and motorists. Ohio consistently outranks other states for roadway collisions involving slow-moving vehicles. With more than 75,000 farms, Ohio farmers need to transport equipment through densely populated rural communities as they navigate noncontiguous fields and take their products to market.

4. Confined spaces and manure storage

Manure pits, silos, and other confined spaces can contain toxic gases such as hydrogen sulfide and methane. These environments can lead to rapid loss of consciousness and multiple-victim incidents when rescue attempts are made without proper equipment.

5. Livestock-related injuries

Large animal livestock (i.e., cattle, horses, sheep and swine) can cause crush and trampling injuries, as well as kicks and bites. Handling animals during treatment, transport, and breeding presents heightened risks.

Training for first responders

Preventing injuries is always a priority on the farm. However, when a serious incident occurs, first responders must be prepared to carry out rescue operations safely and effectively. Unlike other workplaces, farms contain large animals, machinery, confined spaces, grain storage structures, chemicals, and remote work locations, all of which complicate rescue operations. Specialized response training is essential for firefighters, EMS personnel, law enforcement officers, and emergency managers who may respond to farm-related emergencies.

Farm Science Review in London, Ohio Sept. 22-24, 2026

First responder training is a focus during this year’s show, with three demonstrations: two will be led by the Ohio Fire Academy and OSU Extension, focusing on the Grain Comprehensive Agricultural Rescue Trailer (C.A.R.T) and multi-deck livestock semi-trailers. These demonstrations are in OSU Central, on Kottman St. and Land Ave. The third simulator focuses on manure pit safety and is sponsored by the Ohio Farm Bureau, Nationwide, and the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The public can visit these exhibits to learn how to prevent injuries during daily demonstrations. From 3-6 p.m., first responders can attend free, specialized training to learn more technical rescue skills. Manure Pit and Confined Space training is Tuesday, Sept. 22, and Livestock Transportation Safety is Wednesday, Sept. 23.

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, we encourage individuals, families, first responders, and rural communities to renew their commitment to creating safer agricultural workplaces. By investing in safety education, preparedness, and healthy work practices today, we protect our most valuable resource, our people. Together, we can build stronger farms, healthier communities, and a more successful future for agriculture.

Dee Jepsen, Professor for Agricultural Safety and Health, can be reached at 614-292-6008 or jepsen.4@osu.edu. This column is provided by the OSU Department of Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering.