There is no question that automation has roots in agriculture. From the invention of the steam engine which helped automate harvesting, automation continues to bring improvements to the agriculture industry. As we explored earlier in the semester, the industrial revolution mechanized work and brought with it new safety issues. No longer was the greatest hazard on the farm getting kicked by the ox but now there were concerns about machine guarding, control of hazardous energy, etc. Automation also has the potential to make injuries much more severe. However, automation also improved safety for agricultural workers, many laborious tasks were made easier.
Using the following as inspiration, and any other resource you choose, identify how automation has impacted safety in agriculture. Discuss ways in which safety has been improved. Discuss new safety challenges that were introduced.
