THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR IS URGING FARMERS TO MAKE SAFETY A TOP PRIORITY DURING THE HECTIC HARVEST SEASON.

FROM HUGE MACHINERY TO LONG HOURS AND STRESS…FARMING POSES A NUMBER OF SAFETY CHALLENGES. THAT INCLUDES TRACTOR ROLLOVERS SAYS DEPARTMENT OF LABOR SPOKESPERSON MIKE MATULIS.

VISIBILITY IS ALSO IMPORTANT, AND FARM VEHICLES SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH TWO WHITE LAMPS ON THE FRONT AND TWO RED LAMPS ON THE BACK AS WELL AS A FLASHING AMBER LAMP. MOTORISTS ARE URGED TO BE PATIENT AND SLOW DOWN WHEN THEY ENCOUNTER FARMERS DRIVING ON THE ROAD.

FARMERS ARE ALSO URGED TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES AS THEY WORK LONG HOURS. THAT INCLUDES TAKING BREAKS, EATING GOOD MEALS AND STAYING HYDRATED.