Betul Tragedy: Promoting Safe Practices in Wheat Threshing
29 March 2024, Betul: A farmer in Madhya Pradesh’s Betul district lost his life in a heart-wrenching incident while threshing wheat. Radheshyam Uike, a 28-year-old farmer from Shobhapur village, met with a fatal accident when he became trapped in a thresher. He was working alongside his wife and mother at the time.
Regrettably, around half of the farmer’s body, from his head to his waist, became entangled in the machine, leading to his unfortunate demise. Upon realizing the gravity of the situation, his wife and mother sought help from nearby villagers. Despite their valiant efforts, they were unable to free him from the thresher, resulting in this tragic outcome, as confirmed by the police.
Upon receiving the distressing news, authorities from the Sarni police station promptly arrived at the scene, ensuring the necessary procedures were followed. The farmer’s body was transferred to Ghoradongri Hospital for a thorough postmortem examination. After completion, the body was respectfully returned to the family.
Preliminary investigations conducted by Officer RS Amrute shed light on the incident. It appears that the farmer became distracted while operating the thresher, which ultimately led to the unfortunate accident. The police are currently conducting further inquiries to ascertain all the details surrounding this deeply saddening event.
This incident serves as a somber reminder to all farmers to exercise extreme caution while conducting wheat threshing operations. It is crucial to remain focused and attentive at all times, ensuring that proper safety protocols are followed.
Important Safety Measures That Farmers Should Keep in Mind During Wheat Threshing?
During wheat threshing operations, farmers should prioritize their safety by keeping the following measures in mind:
1. Familiarize Yourself with Machinery: Ensure that you are well acquainted with the thresher and its operating manual before use. Understand its components, functions, and safety features.
2. Wear Appropriate Clothing: Use protective clothing such as gloves, goggles, and sturdy footwear to safeguard yourself from potential hazards like sharp debris and flying particles.
3. Clear the Area: Before starting the thresher, remove any obstacles, debris, or loose objects from the surrounding area to prevent accidents or damage to the machine.
4. Maintain Proper Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the thresher while it is in operation. Avoid reaching into the machine or attempting to dislodge blockages while it is running.
5. Shut off Power: Prior to performing any maintenance or adjustments, switch off the thresher and disconnect the power source to eliminate the risk of accidental activation.
6. Regular Maintenance: Conduct routine maintenance checks to ensure that the thresher is in optimal working condition. Inspect belts, guards, and moving parts regularly and address any issues promptly.
7. Provide Adequate Lighting: Ensure proper illumination in the working area, especially during low-light conditions, to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
8. Avoid Distractions: Concentrate solely on the task at hand and avoid distractions such as phone calls or conversations that may divert your attention from operating the thresher safely.
9. Train and Educate: If working with a family member or labour, provide proper training to all involved in wheat threshing operations. Educate them about safety procedures, potential risks, and emergency protocols.
10.Emergency Preparedness: Keep a fully charged mobile phone within reach and have a clear communication plan in case of emergencies. Share your location and contact details with someone who can provide assistance if needed.
Remember, prioritizing safety is crucial during agricultural operations. By adhering to these measures and exercising caution, farmers can minimize the risk of accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
Also Read: The Benefits of Using Microfertilizer
(For Latest Agriculture News & Updates, follow Krishak Jagat on Google News)