Summer is a busy time on Wisconsin farms. While we're between planting and harvest, farmers are checking fields, monitoring crops, maintaining equipment, and preparing for the months ahead. Unfortunately, this time of year also brings safety risks that can have devastating consequences. 

Pam Jahnke visits with Chris Schlechta, Safety and Loss Control Manager for Rural Mutual Insurance.  

Together they have a quick conversation on the things we all look forward to in the summer.  Relax, grill out, ride and ATV/UTV - just have fun.  Schlechta is all for fun - but it comes with safety as one of the responsibilities.

Schlechta says without thought and supervision, things like ATV/UTV's, bonfires, boating - can all turn "fun" into an incident you never wanted to have happen.  Around the farm, thinking through risks and making sure family, friends, visitors and yourself stay safe has to be a priority.  Are signs posted for guests?  Do you have your first aid kit and fire extinguisher available and clearly visible?  Those things don't take long to check, but can make a massive difference in an incidents outcome.

Schlechta reminds anyone that wants to work through a safety review, or needs to have some information to help execute a safety plan, to head over to the Rural Mutual website.  There you'll find a complete toolbox with manuals, lists and resources to do just that.