Farm Youth Killed After Falling off a Horse-Drawn Hay Wagon

On June 28, 1999 a 3-year-old was accidentally run over by a steel-wheeled horse-drawn hay wagon, according to an MSUE-supplied news clip. The accident occurred around 9:45 p.m. The child was taken to a local hospital where he died of chest injuries.

SAFETY TIP: Young children need constant supervision when riding on farm wagons. Even under the best circumstances, a child may get beyond the control of an adult, which could result in injury or death. Riding on a farm wagon is not without risk. Consider alternative activities or supplying qualified child care away from farm equipment and work activities.

According to an MSUE report, on June 30, 1999, a 48-year-old farmer in Calhoun County was killed while using a large round baler The farmer ignored warnings from his son and apparently used his feet or tried to pull out wet hay from the front of the baler and was pulled into the machine. His body was found inside the large round baler along with almost a complete bale.

SAFETY TIP: In the United States, at least 87 farm deaths involving large round balers occurred between 1980 and 1995. Large round bale deaths or injuries occur when the operator kicks or pulls wet hay with the baler running. Avoid this unsafe work habit. Follow the procedures in the operator’s manual concerning adjustments and/or removing wet material or plugs.

Howard Doss