It's pretty easy in a column called "Tech Tuesday" to focus on just the technology of farming - and that's what we do here each week. However, this week it's important to remember an important thing about all the tools you use on the farm: They deserve your healthy respect.

Farm accidents are a significant tragedy. Editors on our staff have lost friends and neighbors to grain drownings, tractor turnovers or other calamities that can befall a busy farmer at harvest. The National Safety Council notes that there are 28.7 deaths per 100,000 adult workers in agriculture and as this fall's busy season gets rolling, it's important to keep that in mind.

One tech feature on new farm equipment is the rollover protective structure. While long a standard feature on all tractors; they're often taken for granted. And the added challenge is that the ROPS only really works if you fasten your seatbelt. The presence of ROPS on all later-model tractors shows the dedication of the industry to user safety too.

Recently tractor maker Kubota issued a statement regarding the importance of safety, including the firm's "Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety." The compact and utility tractor maker has always included a safety message for its dealers - to the extent that at every dealer meeting I've ever attended for the firm, you'll find a safety display too.

Here's a quick rundown on those commandments. And while some may sound like common sense, consider them a gentle safety reminder before this most hectic season begins.

1. Know your tractor, its implements and how they work. Might sound like common sense, but reading the operator's manual, and keeping equipment in good condition (including all shields in place) is solid safety step.

2. Use ROPS and seatbelt whenever and wherever possible. If you're using a tractor with a foldable ROPS (common on smaller tractors) only fold it down when absolutely necessary. And if that ROPS is folded do not wear the seatbelt. Most tractor fatalities are caused by overturns.

3. Be familiar with your terrain and work area. Watch out for slopes, slow down for turns and stay off the highway whenever possible.

4. Never start an engine in a closed shed or garage. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, which is colorless, odorless - and deadly.

5. Always keep your power takeoff properly shielded. Make it a habit to walk around your tractor and PTO-driven implement - never take the shortcut between tractor and implement especially if either is running. A PTO will literally wrap your body around the shaft.

6. Keep your hitches low and always on the drawbar. Or your tractor could flip over backwards.

7. Never get off a moving tractor, or leave it with the engine running. Shut the machine down before leaving the seat; runaway tractors are extremely dangerous.

8. Never refuel while the engine is running or hot. And whatever you do, don't add coolant to a radiator while the engine is hot, it can erupt and scald you.

9. Keep all children off and away from your tractor and its implements at all times. Kids like equipment, but keeping them away is for their own good. This is perhaps the hardest "commandment" to enforce given the nature of your job. But farm safety is critical for your children.

10. Never be in a hurry or take chances about anything you do with your tractor. Keep safety in mind first.

That ninth commandment is probably the hardest to follow, but keep in mind that the National Education Center for Agriculture Safety estimates there are more than 100 farm-related deaths to children each year and most die in accidents involving tractors and other heavy equipment. You can learn a lot more about keeping your kids safe on the farm by visiting Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, a group that offers plenty of information about keeping kids safe on the farm.

The technology we surround ourselves with in agriculture is wonderful stuff. Keep it wonderful by following a few simple rules.