FARGO, N.D. (PNS) – 2022 will see a renewed focus on farmer safety in North Dakota.

A key position has been filled to focus on education designed to reduce accidents and fatalities on farms. It’s been more than 15 years since North Dakota had a farm and ranch safety coordinator through NDSU Extension Services, a gap attributed to cuts in federal funding. But with new money from the Legislature, Angie Johnson has been hired. She says these days, producers face so many pressures, and it can be hard for them to think about slowing down and being extra careful.

She says it’s about more than just avoiding rushing on the job. Things like healthy sleep habits also are important. Johnson says it’s hard to get true data on accidents in North Dakota, because so many family farms aren’t required to report to OSHA. But in 2020, the state ranked second in the nation for injuries in confined spaces on farms.

Shane Sickler, a fourth-generation farmer and member of the North Dakota Farmers Union, was injured in an accident several years ago. He says he had noticed the decline in safety outreach, and feels a rejuvenated program will help producers, especially those seeing higher turnover with their staff.

As she shapes prevention education, Johnson says she’ll gather feedback from local extension agents on the types of accidents they’re seeing too often in their counties. She also encourages farmers to not ignore mental health concerns, so they’re in the best position to run a safe operation.