Rural safety, Alaska style

After receiving thousands of comments, the Obama administration recently withdrew a proposed rule aimed at children in agricultural vocations.

Some of the proposed changes were to reduce the child injury and death rate in an already hazardous industry. However, family farms and agricultural activities for youth felt threatened. How does that really relate to Alaska where there are relatively few tractors, grain elevators or silos? Let’s look at safety in Alaska in general and how it relates to youth.

In Alaska, along with some traditional agricultural concerns, a wide variety of safety issues come to light due to our climate and activities so many enjoy. After a record-setting winter, Alaskans of all ages are eager to get outside and may not think too much about safety, whether at work or play.

Tractors are a leading cause of death and injury on farms in the Lower 48. Safety concerns in Alaska include ATVs, boats, airplanes, snowmachines and similar vehicles, as well as automobiles. Children often participate in activities related to motor vehicles. Safety restraints, helmets, protective gear, proper clothing and sizing should all be used correctly and applicable regulations complied with. Emergency equipment and gear should be maintained and carried on all activities. Smaller power tools such as chainsaws, lawn mowers, string trimmers and earth tillers also cause injury and should be handled and maintained properly. Youth in particular should be properly trained and supervised when using any kind of power tool.

The Alaska climate presents its own year-round challenges. Certainly, our long winter months of darkness, ice and cold cause safety concerns, but hypothermia can occur in any season. Our Matanuska winds deliver silt-laden dust and our long summer sun can burn. Being prepared for all weather and situations can make the difference in a sudden emergency or weather change. Emergency preparedness applies to home, work and play. Include youth in these preparations and help them to think about various emergency situations. Even young children can be involved in setting up emergency kits in the home or automobile. Remind them to dress for the weather and to be prepared for our quick changes in weather.

Safe drinking water and food must also be considered. Drinking water may be purified in a variety of ways using purification equipment, chemical or heat treatment. Food safety issues include proper chilling or heating, adequate cooking, preparation, serving and storage. Frequent and thorough hand washing is a simple way to reduce health concerns. Children often enjoy menu planning as well as learning about and practicing safe food handling.

Wild or not, animals can be a significant safety problem. At this time of year, any animal with young can be a threat. Wildlife such as bears and moose are very protective and may be dangerous around their young, but other animals such as hawks, geese and woodchucks can be intimidating. All wildlife should be treated with respect and considered unpredictable. Although not generally thought of as a major safety threat, even wasps, gnats and other biting insects can also cause problems. Children need to learn about wildlife safety and awareness in all seasons.

Seemingly tame, domestic animals can cause serious injury or even death. It is estimated that one in four farm accidents are animal related, more than either tractors or ATVs. In the United States, statistics show that every 40 seconds someone seeks treatment for a dog bite, with youth at particular risk. Children often have chores involving animals and are particularly at risk. They are often attracted to animal-related activities such as petting farms or zoos. Danger may be reduced by understanding animal behavior, providing animals proper and safe facilities and equipment, and by using proper health and safety precautions such as washing hands after working with any animal. Helping children learn to properly handle and care for animals needs to be a priority. Organizations such as 4-H and Future Farmers of America can teach these skills.

At work or play, Alaskans of all ages face health and safety challenges. Being prepared for any situation can make the difference between a successful venture and a tragedy. For more information, call 745-3360 or visit uaf.edu/ces/matsu.

Lee Hecimovich is an associate professor of Extension, 4-H and Youth Development with the University of Alaska Fairbanks.