Entries by Ryan Mortier

Safety: Common electrical hazards

Take a moment today to think about electrical hazards and how you can make your operation safe for you, your family, workers and visitors. There are several things you can do at home, in the barn, and workshops to help eliminate the chances of shocks, electrocution and fires. Missing covers Missing covers on junction boxes, […]

Safety: The dangers of carbon monoxide

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a poisonous, odorless, and tasteless gas. CO results from the incomplete burning of natural gas and any other material containing carbon such as gasoline, kerosene, oil, propane, coal, wood, etc. Examples of carbon monoxide sources include portable generators, concrete cutting saws, space heaters, welding, and gasoline powered equipment. Smoldering grain can […]

Safety: Preparing for winter work

Working outside in the winter can be a dirty job, but many of us have to do it. Are you ready for winter work? Here are some reminders about dressing for the weather and staying strong, healthy and safe:  Two big concerns of working or simply spending time outdoors in cold weather are frostbite and […]

Safety: Hazards of fall driving

Weather conditions can be unpredictable in the fall. A bright, beautiful afternoon can turn rainy and cold in minutes. With the days getting shorter, you could find yourself commuting to and from work in darkness. Common fall driving hazards Back to school traffic Fall means back to school traffic for kids, which means more cars […]

Safety: Avoiding deer collisions

The fall season brings an increase in deer activity because it’s their time for mating and migrating. Avoid deer collisions by watching for darting deer, especially when driving early in the morning or at night. According to the insurance institute, 1.6 million deer-vehicle collisions occur each year, resulting in 200 fatalities, tens of thousands of […]

Safety: Mycotoxin (Vomitoxin) and respiratory health

Mycotoxins in corn are produced when certain molds infect the ears of corn. Molds produce mycotoxins only under certain environmental conditions. Furthermore, not all molds cause mycotoxins, but mycotoxins in corn cannot exist unless molds are present. In fact, thousands of molds are capable of growing on corn, but only a very few species actually […]

Safety: Power tool safety

A power tool is a tool that is actuated by an additional power source and mechanism other than the solely manual labor used with hand tools. The most common types of power tools use electric motors, pneumatics, or hydraulics. To prevent injuries, incidents, and damage to power tools, always take the following precautions: Never carry […]