6 APPEAL-DEMOCRAT YUBA-SUTTERAGLIFE Farm Safety Friday, March 8, 2019 Lots of reasons to be careful out there Ruby Larson He said agricultural workers are given breaks every hour to get out of the direct sunlight and have plenty of water to make sure there is training available and that those who handle pesticides are doing so correct- ly Agricultural work can be dangerous, with large equipment, chemicals, environmental factors and more that can put a person's health at risk. Here's a rundown of some top concerns: He said the different pesticides or herbicides have warning labels that will tell an employee EQUIPMENT/ACCIDENTS Another concern for workers is handling heavy how to properly handle the chemical. equipment. Some chemicals may be corrosive to the skin or Theresa Hyer, director of the emergency depart cause sensitization, where an employee could get ment at Adventist Health-Rideout Medical Ce rash when they work with the chemical, Bowden HEAT RELATED PROBLEMS According to the Western Center for Agricul ter, said they see a number of laborers who have said. tural Health and Safety, agricultural workers are accidents involving equipment everything from Employees may be required to wear gloves, very susceptible to heat-related illnes tractor accidents to incidents at a some sort of eye protection or masks depending on Homer Rice, Yuba County health administrator, "A lot of things are machinery related" Hyer the pesticide or herbicide said that during last summer Public Health put said out a number of alerts for people regarding the He said the different issues they come across include workers having a rash or burning around their wrists because they weren't wearing long sleeves or gloves, and sometimes, the chemicals will get into their eyes if they're not wearing prop Watching for warning labels, being fully aware and taking ones time contribute to safety The heat can have a major effect on a person's body, he said CHEMICALS Your body is under stress," Rice said. "It can lead to bad outcomes," When working with chemicals, officials say that following instructions and knowing how to handle er eye protection. He said they haven't seen a lot of pesticide relat- Rice said people may start to feel a little dizzy or them are essential to minimize risk of exposure. ed lesses for employees wobbly from heat exhauson, and that's a sign to Scott Bowden, deputy agricultural comnm get out of the sun and take a break. There can also be the potential for public ill sioner for Sutter County, said part of their job is esses with pesticide drift, he said. But the office We're in this together We're a true member-owner cooperative-offering loans, eases, competitive rates and unmatched service. We are your partners in agriculture- your success is our success. YUBA CITY FarmCreditWest.comm FARM CREDIT WEST Committed. Experienced. Trusted