Blog Post

As an Emergency Room nurse in a Critical Access Hospital, I have the privilege of caring for the people who make our communities strong. Many of our patients are farmers, farm families, and agricultural workers who dedicate long hours to feeding our state and nation. Agriculture is not just an industry in Iowa, it is a way of life.

Unfortunately, farming is also one of the most dangerous occupations. Every planting season, harvest season, and every day in between, farm workers face risks from heavy equipment, livestock, grain bins, chemicals, and long work hours. While these risks are often accepted as part of the job, the injuries that result can have devastating consequences for individuals, families, and entire farming operations.

In the emergency department, we see firsthand how quickly a normal day can change. A moment of distraction around machinery, a fall from equipment, a livestock-related injury, or heat-related illness can send someone from the field to the ER in an instant. Many of these injuries are preventable through awareness, preparation, and a strong commitment to safety.

The #AgSafeIowa campaign serves as an important reminder that safety should never take a backseat to productivity. Taking a few extra minutes to inspect equipment, wear proper protective gear, stay hydrated, and practice safe operating procedures can make all the difference. It is also important to ensure that children and visitors remain clear of hazardous work areas and that emergency plans are discussed with family members and employees.

One challenge unique to rural communities is distance. When a serious injury occurs on a farm, emergency medical services may have to travel several miles before reaching the scene. Those minutes matter. Knowing your location, having a charged cell phone available, and teaching family members how to call for help can improve emergency response times during a crisis.

As healthcare professionals, we want to help our farming community stay healthy and productive. Prevention remains one of the most effective tools we have. Whether you're preparing for planting, harvesting, livestock handling, or daily farm maintenance, make safety part of your routine.

This harvest season and throughout the year, I encourage everyone involved in agriculture to take the #AgSafeIowa pledge seriously. Pause before starting a task. Assess the risks. Use the proper equipment. Look out for one another. Together, we can reduce preventable injuries and keep our families, farms, and communities safe.

From all of us at Hansen Family Hospital, thank you for the work you do every day. We are proud to care for Iowa's agricultural community and support the mission of #AgSafeIowa: ensuring every farmer returns home safely at the end of the day.