The Michigan Agri-Business Association encourages member companies, and everyone in Michigan agriculture, to communicate about the unique safety considerations around the solar eclipse happening next Monday, April 8. In addition to reminders being circulated widely in the media about the potential for eye damage from directly viewing the eclipse, other risks include the distractive nature of the event itself, and the temporary darkness associated with it. The eclipse also takes place as the busy spring planting season ramps up, underscoring the need to be aware of unique safety considerations during this phenomenon. Here are some reminders related to the April 8 solar eclipse: Consider what tasks will be underway during the eclipse window, which for many will be in the 2:15-3:30 range, with the main impacts being fairly brief. Remember that outdoor job sites will be in a lower light/temporary darkness environment during this time. Employees should be reminded to remain focused on safety protocols on the job site; safe viewing of the eclipse should take place well outside active job sites. Be aware of the health risks that come with looking at the sun, including during an eclipse. An eclipse must only be viewed through specialized viewers. Even many welding masks and other dark lenses are not designed to protect the eyes from direct viewing of the sun. Do not view the eclipse through any lens not designed for it! See this link for more. Be careful traveling the roads. Substantial “eclipse traffic” is expected across certain areas of the country, including Ohio and Southeast Michigan. Areas in Southeast Michigan that are near the “path of totality” for the eclipse may experience congestion on roads and highways, and movement delays as anticipated crowds gather to watch this event. These delays could even impact rural roads and highways in some regions. Drivers elsewhere may also be distracted by the eclipse (for example, if they attempt to photograph or video it while driving), making roadway awareness especially important during this time. Overall, this unique event calls for everyone to be vigilant during the period of the eclipse next Monday afternoon. A little communication ahead of time will go a long way. For more information about safe eclipse viewing, go here. If you have questions, contact the MABA office.
