ACCIDENTS ON FARM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 November 1939, Page 3

ACCIDENTS ON FARM

SAFETY FIRST RULES. Nearly all farm accidents arise from simple neglect. Try the following safety first rules. Never build a stack near electriclight wires—high or low tension—there is danger in both. When mowing hay, put the mower out of gear before you get off. If you have to clear the knife, stand behind, it to do so, not in front. Don’t lean pitchforks against the haystack, as a man may slide or jump off the stack on to one. If you use explosives for splitting, use blasting powder, and 'don’t experiment with home-made mixtures. Remember that a circular saw will cut your finger just as easily as it cuts wood. And if you have to chop firewood see that you have a good solid block to chop on; and chop the wood, don’t try to break it with one end on the ground and the other on the block, as ■ this practice tends to cause one piece to fly up and hit you very close to the eye. Dehorn your bull, but remember that even without horns he should be treated with respect. When using horses always speak to them as you approach, particularly if you come up behind them. If one horse has a foot over the chains, speak and pat the horse on the rump before lifting the foot. When felling bush see that the un-der-scrubbing is done, and done thoroughly, before the larger trees are felled. Cut all creepers and vines at ground level and also as high as you can reach, so that they won’t be swinging about to catch an axe. All of which simply means; don’t go . ahead until you are right, but when you are right, then go ahead.