This week is the 73rd annual National Farm Safety and Health Week, its first proclamation was declared by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. During this week, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, wants farmers to focus on avoiding slips and falls, which can cause serious injuries. Charles Schwab, safety specialist, advises farmers should scrape off shoes before climbing on farm machinery or structures, also wear slip-resistant shoes. Dismount equipment only when it is at a complete stop.

Also, Ainsworth Fire Chief Waylon Schultz shares some safety tips include going with someone when entering grain bins, use a lifeline and always shut off the power to the units before entering. Should the fire department ever have to perform a grain bin rescue, they call for extra man power and for the Riverside Fire Department or Washington Rescue, as each of those departments have rescue tubes. He adds, they have had people stuck locally in grain bins and a grain truck in recent years.

Last year in the United States, according to Purdue University, there were 47 confined space incidents reported and 25 of those were fatalities. In 2014, there were 71 confirmed entrapments with 31 deaths. Take precautions to prevent injuries this harvest.