Every June dairy leaders, farmers, and communities from across America celebrate National Dairy Month.

National Dairy Month began 83 years ago as a way to stabilize dairy demand when production was at a surplus. It has since evolved into an annual traditional of celebrating the important contributions of the dairy industry. National Dairy Month also serves to highlight the importance and nutritional value of dairy products.

As we highlight the dairy industry again this June, it is a good time to consider the risks on your operation.  It is important to check your property to ensure safety for all who work or live on your farm or business. Here is a quick checklist for you to use as a guide:

Buildings and structures

• Keep doors and gates to hazardous areas closed and secured
• Protect outside ramps and steps to prevent rain or other liquids from freezing
• Test backup generators regularly
• Make first aid kits available and post emergency numbers in every building

Animal facilities

• Train employees on the safe operation of power crowd gates and entry/exit gates
• Ensure fences, gates and other confining devices are in good working order
• Do not allow children to play in or around barns, pens, or feedlots

Electrical

• Make sure electrical panel covers are in place on circuit breaker boxes, junction boxes and control panels to prevent dust accumulation and exposure to weather
• Ensure workers know the locations of the electrical main, gas and water valves and release valves for hot water heaters
• Use electrical connections in dry areas only

Fire protection

• Install a 10-pound or larger ABC (all-purpose) fire extinguisher in all buildings and barns
• Put in place a maintenance schedule for checking fire extinguishers
• Equip individual ventilation fans in each building with their own circuits and current safety devices. (Overheating barn fan motors are a leading cause of fire in barns and other outbuildings).

Fuels/Chemicals

• Properly label fuel storage tanks to show contents
• Locate fuel/chemical tanks at least 25 feet from any farm building
• Put in place a documented plan for disposing of empty containers or leftover chemicals

Machinery/Farm equipment

• Inspect all power equipment for proper shielding and guarding
• Require all drivers and passengers to wear seatbelts while operating trucks and cars
• Keep children and non-workers off of and away from machinery and wagon

Using this guide is a great starting point. The best way to make sure that you are fully covered and protected from different risks is to sit down with your DFA Insurance agent. Give us a call today at 1-877-358-9523 to make sure you are protected!