Los Banos Rotary Club History
Cites Danger Of Farm Accidents

Norman A. Jarrett, of Fresno, a representative of the Industrial Indemnity Co., spoke at the Rotary Club luncheon Tuesday noon on the alarming increase in the number of farm accidents, mostly caused by the fact that most new farm machinery is notoriously lacking in essential safety engineering.

Citing the fact that employee compensation rates have increased tremendously in the last several years, Jarrett said the fault lies mostly with the farmers themselves, who do not take the time or interest to properly instruct their men in the proper and safe use of the equipment and point out the danger points.

Jarrett said many farm machinery manufacturers ignore safety devices on their machines, though most provide such features at added cost. He urged that farmers, when buying new equipment, specify that such machines shall meet the safety requirements of the state.

Increased attention to the safety of employees, both on the farm and in the factory, will result, Jarrett emphasized, in an important reduction in compensation insurance rates, and at the same time will allow more liberal benefits for those who are injured.

February 17, 1948

---