SUBMERGED DROWNING HAZARDS IN AGRICULTURE

Learning Objectives Identify drowning hazards on the farm Describe risk factors related to the hazards List steps to prevent a drowning

Drowning Hazards on the Farm Can you list drowning hazards on the farm?

Drowning Hazards on the Farm Bodies of water –Pond/river Swimming/ice Machinery operation –Water trough Manure storage –Pit/lagoon –Slurry storage tank Grain –Bin/wagon

Youth Fatalities on U.S. Farms On average, 1 child dies EVERY WEEK on U.S. farms –Average 70 children die from farm related injuries every year 40% due to machinery 20% due to drowning Drowning is the 3 rd leading cause of death to children 0-14 years old

Factors Contributing to Drowning Bodies of Water Lack of adult supervision Little or no swimming instruction No warning signs posted Unfenced ponds Dangers in the water –Rocks –Deep holes –Weeds

Ice Safety Good ice is “thick and blue” Wear personal flotation device Dress warmly in layers Carry ice claws/ ice picks and know how to use them Go with a partner Don’t take vehicles onto ice The only absolute safe ice is the ice you stay OFF! Additional Hazards Around Bodies of Water

Machinery Operation Mowing/ spraying along the bank Animal burrows, eroded banks, Stay off of 33.5 degree/3:1 or steeper slopes Stay away from steep embankments –Do not operate machinery any closer to the water’s edge than the water is deep! 6 ft. deep = stay 6 ft. away from embankment Never allow children to be passengers Additional Hazards Around Bodies of Water

Prevention Steps for Bodies of Water Posting warning signs Install fences or gates around the pond Never allow anyone to swim alone Install a rescue post Figure. 1 Rescue Post

Factors Contributing to Drowning Manure Storage Steep slippery slopes Crusting on top surface Hazardous gases –Most likely during agitation, adding/removing manure to storage area

Prevention Steps for Manure Storage Concrete ramp for easy escape Safety warning signs –“Manure drowning hazard” Fencing/gates –Chain link provides best protection –Accessible life lines near the pit Never work alone

Factors Contributing to Drowning Grain Flowing grain acts like quicksand Depending on the flow rate, <4 seconds to become helpless in grain Can happen in bins, wagons, transport vehicles

Prevention Steps for Grain Lock all access doors when not in use Secure ladders and doors to prevent entry, especially by children Limit physical entry as much as possible When entering a bin, use body harness and safety line Work with at least one other person

Summary There are several hazards on the farm that can lead to drowning Children are at GREAT RISK due to their size, lack of physical coordination and increased curiosity Be sure to properly mark or post signs near these areas warning others of the potential for drowning

Resources Entrapment risk due to flowing grain. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from Farm pond safety. (2008) The Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved from Farm pond safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from safetyhttp:// safety Farm pond safety. (2002) Mississippi State University Extension. Retrieved from Ice Safety. (2003) The Ohio State University Extension. Retrieved from Manure storage safety. (2012) Farm and Ranch eXtension in Safety and Health (FReSH) Community of Practice. Retrieved from storage-safety#.UoKXFI18uK8http:// storage-safety#.UoKXFI18uK8

For More Information OSU Ag Safety & Health The Ohio State University Ag Engineering Building 590 Woody Hayes Drive Columbus, Ohio Phone: Website: agsafety.osu.edu

This project was supported by the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety Education Grant Program- grant number