Working Alone
Completion requirements
Working Alone
If possible, NEVER work alone.
We all know that farmers and ranchers often work alone for very long hours, particularly in the Spring and Fall.
When working alone, fatigue is often unrecognized, unacknowledged, or unaddressed. I'm fine. I'm not tired. I'm too busy to stop. Fatigue is a contributing factor to many workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths. A moment of inattention is all it takes.
Sleep is the only way to reduce fatigue, but there are ways to avoid fatigue.
Watch the video. (6:09)
We all know that farmers and ranchers often work alone for very long hours, particularly in the Spring and Fall.
There are several ways you can reduce the risks of working alone:
- Carry a cell phone. Put your emergency contact numbers on speed dial. If you are going to be working for a long period of time in an area with no cell service, arrange for someone to periodically check on you. Historically, these were the times
when the farm wife brought meals and snacks to her farmer husband.
- Inform at least one other person where you are going, and when you'll be back. If these plans change, notify the contact person.
- Keep hydrated. Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid foods high in fat or sugar as these mask signs of fatigue. Eat proteins.
- Do not drink stimulants to deal with fatigue. Rest!
When working alone, fatigue is often unrecognized, unacknowledged, or unaddressed. I'm fine. I'm not tired. I'm too busy to stop. Fatigue is a contributing factor to many workplace accidents, injuries, and deaths. A moment of inattention is all it takes.
Sleep is the only way to reduce fatigue, but there are ways to avoid fatigue.
Watch the video. (6:09)