Spring has started for many of us already, the mild and even warm temperatures have allowed many of us to get a jump on spring activities already.

All of us are ready for warmer temperatures and new life spring brings us. The warmer weather comes with spring field work and longer hours. Often, we are pushed to get work done before the spring rains and that means stretching ourselves thin.

Those long hours and a rush to beat the rain brings its own set of risks and dangers. We all know farming is one of the most dangerous professions and spring and fall accentuate those dangers. I know I am preaching to the choir, but the long hours coupled with large equipment can be a deadly combination.

Safety starts with spring cleaning. Make sure your cab is free of extra tools, clutter and anything else that can get in the way. Believe me, I am the worst about cleaning up my workspace. We bring tools along and soon the cab is cluttered with them and wrappers and cans from hasty meals in the field. Trips and falls are among the most common accidents and can keep you out of the field for weeks or months. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have time to be laid up right now.

Fatigue is another common cause of accidents. I might hazard a guess fatigue is the cause of most severe accidents. It is easy to push yourself to the limit this time of the year. Early mornings and late nights add up in a hurry. There is no shame in pulling over to the side of the field and taking a quick nap. Remember we are all in this for the long game, a few extra minutes is not going to make a difference in the long run.

Then there is the road. My closest calls have mostly been traveling up and down the road. Fewer people understand farm equipment and what it is like to drive down the road in a slow moving, large vehicle. Add to that the frantic, rushed lives we all live and it is a deadly combination. We can mitigate some of the risks by trying to plan our trips during times with less traffic but that does not always work. Just be alert and assume that the other driver is not paying attention.

There is a myriad of other dangers like the clothes and footwear you choose, staying hydrated and being aware of where others are, especially children. Yes, farming and ranching are among the top five most dangerous occupations, it is a risk we all accept for the way of life we have chosen. Just be aware, take the necessary precautions and lessen the risks. After all, we are less than 2 percent of the population, we cannot afford to lose anyone to an accident.