August 4, 2003

Farm Safety

Each year, more than 100 children are killed and 33,000 seriously injured on farms and ranches in the United States. Another 20 children are killed in agricultural-related fatalities in Canada each year. Unintentional injury can occur when adults and children mistake physical size and age for ability, and underestimate levels of risk and hazard. Here are a number of Web sites that contain information on farm and agricultural safety.

North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks
The North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks were developed under the direction of the National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety to assist adults in assigning farm jobs to children 7 to 16 years, living or working on farms.
In the resources section, look for the Developmental checklist which is available for 61 agricultural jobs. The checklist is used to assess a child's physical, mental, and psychosocial abilities with the requirements of different agricultural jobs. There is also a Professional Resource Manual, which is intended for safety professionals, extension educators, healthcare professionals and other professionals engaged in agricultural injury prevention education. http://www.nagcat.org/

Partners in Agricultural Health
Check out the Continuing Education section for health and safety information for farmers and health professionals. In the Events section there are links to free health screenings and training sessions. http://www.farmershealth.com/

National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
The National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety strives to enhance the health and safety of all children exposed to hazards associated with agricultural work and rural environments. In the Resources section are a number of safety fact sheets as well as a section for health professionals. http://research.marshfieldclinic.org/children/

University of Wisconsin Center for Agricultural Safety & Health
Check out the Extension Outreach section to find training materials on farm and agricultural safety. In the Links section, there are links to other university agricultural safety programs, as well as a link to the "Guide to Agricultural Tractor Rollover Protective Structures". http://bse.wisc.edu/wiscash/

Agricultural Safety and Health Information Clearinghouse
This Web site is part of the University of Minnesota Extension Service. Topics covered include: tractor safety, machinery injury control, children and injury prevention, livestock handling, pesticide and agricultural hazards and safe play areas. http://safety.coafes.umn.edu/

Center for Farm Health and Safety
The Center is a program of Eastern Washington University. Check out the following sections: resources, links, research and rural women. There is also an online Farm Stress Management workshop. http://www.farm.ewu.edu/

Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
The mission of Farm Safety 4 Just Kids is to promote a safe farm environment to prevent health hazards, injuries, and fatalities to children and youth. This organization was begun by a mother who lost her son in a farm accident. In the Program Services section, check out the resources for teaching farm safety, including a Spanish coloring book. The Fun 4 Kids section also has education materials designed for youngsters, including a coloring book, games and an interactive quiz. In the Online Press Room, find copies of the organization's newsletter. http://www.fs4jk.org/

Farm Safety Zone
Check out the safety articles on the home page, and take one of the online safety quizzes. Check out the information about the Farm Safety camps. You may wish to coordinate a camp in your area. http://kea.ae.iastate.edu/

AgSafe
AgSafe is a California nonprofit coalition of individuals, groups and organizations with the shared mission of the prevention of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among those working in agriculture. Check the resources section for agricultural safety information. Some resources are provided in Spanish. http://www.agsafe.org/

This page © 2003 NAHEC

This page last modified: 02/14/03