State Representative Jim Buchy
Farm Safety—Many Changes Over Time that Keep You Safe During Harvest Season

The autumn season is in full swing and in farm country we don’t just look at the leaves to notice this change. In western Ohio, the crops have dried and farmers are on the road with wagons, semis, and combines, or as people in my generation call them self propelled harvesters. This season also brings serious concern for the safety of our families both on the roads and in the fields.

Over the years the issue of farm safety has become relevant and many steps have been taken by farmers to increase safety. Manufacturers are increasing safety inside the cab and measures are being taken outside of the cab. Would you believe the slow moving vehicle sign is just 50 years old. This triangular symbol has become common place and thanks to technology is now even manufactured with built in flashing lights.

Prior to 2000 there were major safety concerns at this time of the year because tractor lighting was focused on the center of machinery and on the fenders. As dually wheels became more prevalent and farm machinery became bigger, safety concerns rose. Without lights on the edge of the machinery, it was difficult to see the machinery in the dark. It was especially hard to see the black dually tires, which blended in with the black night sky.

The farm bureau and the ag community recognized this issue and worked for the passage of House Bill 484, which passed unanimously. The law, which went into affect shortly after, requires lighting bars to be extended to the edge of machinery. This makes it easier to see where the edge of the machinery is in the dark of night.

The people in the agriculture community are stewards who recognize concerns and voluntarily work to make life better in our rural communities. The 84th House District is the number one agricultural producing district in the state of Ohio. Their continued involvement in state policy is crucial to improving our practices on the farm and in farming communities.

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