Accidents only happen to other people, or at least we don't think they will happen to us or we would all be so paranoid we would do nothing in order to prevent anything unexpected from happening. It is for this reason that safety is not an exciting or interesting subject. We all know we should be safe and think we are being safe. However, data shows that more than eighty percent of all accidents are behavior related and not caused by work place condition. This tells us the more aware and conscience people are about the potential safety hazards associated with what one is doing the less chance there will be for an injury. If all of us in Agriculture would change the old adage "Accidents Happen" to "Accidents are Preventable" we could lower the incidents of injuries and ultimately reduce our Montana Agriculture Workers Compensation rates.
There is no one more important working on the farm/ranch than our own family members. The fact that "Eighty-five percent of all agricultural accidents happen to members of the family on the farm" should make safety one of the biggest concerns of all people on the operation. Making safety a higher priority on our operations will not only prevent more accidents from happening to family members, but will also help keep Montana Agricultural Workers Compensation rates down with the potential to lower them.
Anyone with questions about their Workers Compensation or how to participate in the Montana Agricultural Safety program to earn a 4% discount may call Les Graham 388-9330 or Gene Surber 284-9037.
Administered by the Montana Farm Bureau Federation on behalf of its members and the members of the Montana Cattlemen's Association, MT Dairymen, MT Grain Growers, MT Farmers Union, MT Pork Producers, MT Stockgrowers, & Montana Woolgrowers
