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Farm Safety Week, year-round awareness
Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21–27, a time to recognize the importance of safety in agriculture and raise awareness about the hazards farmers face every day. While this designated week serves as an important reminder, safety on the farm should be a year-round priority.
CHECK OUT OUR STORY ABOUT HIGH-TECH FARM INNOVATIONS HERE.
Farm accidents involving equipment and utility infrastructure can result in injuries, deaths and power outages. Among the most common incidents are collisions between tractors or other machinery and power lines or utility poles. While these accidents can have serious consequences, many are preventable with caution, awareness and safe operating practices.
Farm electrical safety tips
- Maintain a safe distance. Keep at least 10 feet of clearance from all utility equipment in all directions.
- Use spotters and flags. Spotters and visible markers provide guidance and awareness to help farmers safely navigate around electrical hazards.
- Know what to do if you make contact. If your equipment touches a power line, stay inside and call 911.
- Treat all equipment as conductive. Materials such as lumber, hay, tree limbs, irrigation pipes and bulk goods can carry electricity — keep them away from power lines.
— From the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association
Have fun and stay safe with these Halloween tips
For little ghosts, glittering princesses and small superheroes, Halloween is a thrilling night of make-believe and spooky fun. But during the sugar-fueled race to the next porch, safety is paramount. Keep the magic alive with planning, parental supervision, eagle eyes and some essential items. Then the night can end with treats, not trouble.
- ACCOMPANY young children. Let them start trick-or-treating before sundown. You can always end early and continue the fun at home.
- STICK TO FAMILIAR routes, obey traffic signals and signs, and look both ways before letting kids cross roads. Try to keep them from running — uneven surfaces and curbs are lurking.
- PUT REFLECTIVE STICKERS or tape on costumes and candy bags so vehicles can see them. Consider face paint and makeup instead of masks, which can obstruct a child’s vision.
- CARRY A FLASHLIGHT and accompany little goblins up long driveways or across large lawns.
- BRING SNACKS and water for longer walks in rural areas.
- SKIP DARK or secluded paths or houses, unless you know the owners.
- SET A GROUP MEETING PLACE for a certain time, especially if older siblings are racing ahead. Cell phone service could be spotty.
- INSPECT CANDY for torn wrappers, allergens or anything unfamiliar.
- DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN! Watch out for kids in dark costumes darting across roads.
Director Jurk earns NRECA Gold credential
Bluebonnet Electric Cooperative Board member Russell Jurk earned a Director Gold credential from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, which represents more than 900 of the nation’s electric cooperatives. Jurk has served as a Bluebonnet director from District 4, Lee, Milam and Williamson counties, since 2011.
To earn this certificate, Jurk completed two other certifications — Certified Cooperative Director and Board Leadership Certificate — and three courses. He will complete three continuing education courses every two years.
The Director Gold credential recognizes directors who have demonstrated a commitment to continuing education and who understand the responsibilities of board leadership to meet evolving industry demands while upholding democratic values.
