Farmers who are currently busy harvesting will soon be applying manure. It’s important to keep several safety tips in mind when working in and around manure. University of Nebraska Lincoln Extension Livestock Manure Management Engineer Dr. Amy Schmidt says the three major perils to watch out for with manure are drownings, toxic gas exposure and flammable or combustible gasses.

She says two of the major gasses farmers need to be aware of with manure are any releases of carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide.

Schmidt says it’s also critical to be on the look out for methane or any flammable gasses.

She says farm workers should be trained as how to work safely around manure and everyone needs to stay alert and pay attention to all warning labels.