National Farm Safety and Health Week Featured on NIOSH Science Blog

Scott Heiberger, Communications Specialist for the National Farm Medicine Center, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, posted information about National Safety and Health Week on the NIOSH Science Blog.

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Lt. Governor Tina Smith Declares September 18-24 Minnesota Farm Safety and Health Week

Lt. Governor Tina Smith joined MDA Commissioner Dave Frederickson, Representative Paul Anderson, and farmer/Ag educator/FFA leader Ed Terry to declare the week of September 18-24 Minnesota Farm Safety and Health Week.  UMASH was excited to be a part of the press conference, and we look forward to partnering with the MN Dept. of Ag to raise awareness about farm safety and promote resources and events during Farm Safety and Health Week.

Visit us at the University of Minnesota Farmer’s Market

Wednesday, September 21
11:00am – 2:00pm
McNamara Alumni Center
200 SE Oak St., Minneapolis, 55455

UMASH will be at the University of Minnesota Farmer’s Market on Wednesday, September 21 from 11am to 2pm to promote National Farm Safety and Health Week. Stop by and say hello!

Respiratory Protection for Agricultural Producers

Monday, September 19
12-1pm CDT

Presenter:
Carolyn Sheridan, RN, BSN
Clinical Director, AgriSafe Network

Summary:
Determining the type of respiratory protection that provides adequate protection from the multiple respiratory hazards in production agriculture can be a difficult process. The Respiratory Protection for Agricultural Producers program will help clarify that process and remove some of the guess work.

The program will:

• Present an overview of agricultural respiratory exposures
• Discuss the various types of respiratory protection
• Discuss appropriate respiratory protection for specific hazards (examples – grain, cotton, hog, cattle, poultry, etc.).
• Review user friendly resources including AgriSafe Network’s Respiratory Selection Guide

Promoting Total Farmer Health

Tuesday, September 20
12-1pm CDT

Presenter:
Charlotte Halverson, BSN, COHN-S
Occupational Health Nurse, AgriSafe Network

Summary:
In 2011, the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health launched the Total Worker Health® program. Integrating work-related safety and health practices are founded on research and the belief that successful programs include both employer and employee responsibility and collaboration. In an effort to reduce farm and ranch injuries and illnesses, these worksite principles can be adapted and integrated into agricultural health and safety protocols.

Upon completion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Define the NIOSH Total Worker Health (TWH) program
2. Describe at least three essential elements of the Total Worker Health program relative to production agriculture
3. Identify reliable resources for use in development of a Total Worker Health program for an agricultural operation

TOTAL WORKER HEALTH® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Participation by AgriSafe does not imply endorsement by HHS/CDC/NIOSH.

Youth Agricultural Safety: Cultivating a Lasting Legacy

Wednesday, September 21
12-1pm CDT

Presenters:
Bryan Weichelt, PhD
Project Scientist, National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety

Mark Mews, BS
Vice-president, Financial Strategies of Wisconsin

Summary:
Cultivating a lasting legacy is something that few do well. Fewer and fewer Americans are donning overalls and work boots to take on the job that their dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa did. Active farm owners are faced with the harsh reality that they may be the last of their line to till the soil, milk the cows, or tend the vines. Transitioning the operation to the next generation is a process that often takes years to be successful, and it also takes years of safeguarding those who are likely to take it on – our children.

At the end of the webinar you will be able to:

1. Identify the benefits and challenges of youth on farms
2. Explore available resources and tools needed keep youth safe on farms
3. Understand key financial planning steps of transitioning a farm operation
4. Understand the potential to establish and leave a positive and lasting legacy

Protecting Young Adults in the Agricultural Workforce

Wednesday, September 21
1:30-2:30pm CDT

Presenter:
Charlotte Halverson, BSN, COHN-S
Occupational Health Nurse, AgriSafe Network

Summary:
At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to:

1. Identify physical and psychological developmental factors to consider when employing and training young adults in the agricultural sector.
2. Define agricultural hazards and exposures that increase the risk of injury and illness among the young worker.
3. Describe regulatory standards that can promote a safe work environment for young employees.
4. Create action steps that can reduce agricultural injury and illness.

Confined Space – Grain Bin

Thursday, September 22
12-1pm CDT

Presenter:
Dan Neenan, MBA, Paramedic
Director, National Education Center for Agricultural Safety

Summary:
The Confined Space Grain Safety program is intended for workers and managers in agriculture. This includes Coop’s, farm operators, employees, and agriculture business owners. The major focus of the program is on safety in confined space work areas.

Learning Objectives:

1. Be able to identify hazards associated with confined space work.
2. Understand the process for confined space entry and lock out/ tag out procedures.
3. Understand monitoring the air quality in a Confined Space.
4. Understand the harnesses that need to be worn during an entry
5. Understand the job responsibilities of a confined space attendant
6. Know where to look for OSHA references and resources related to confined space entry in the grain industry

811 Before You Dig: For Safety’s Sake

Friday, September 23
10-11am CDT

Presenters:
Khrysanne Kerr, Vice President of Communications, Common Ground Alliance
Deanna Centurion, Principal, Cyera Strategies/Pipeline Operators for Ag Safety
Chris Thome, Damage Prevention Consultant, Rhino Markers/Pipeline Ag Safety Alliance
Kesley Tweed, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Public Awareness, Enbridge

Summary:
Using a multi-media, interactive approach, this webinar will explain 811, how it works and why it’s critical to protecting the lives and livelihood of farmers. The webinar will feature testimonials from farmers who have learned the value of 811 the hard way. Social media stars, the Peterson Brothers, will share why 811 is critical on the farm. The webinar will also cover free resources for sharing the 811 message with others.

Optimizing Employee Health in Agribusiness

Friday, September 23
12-1pm CDT

Presenters:
Michael Keenan
Senior Ag Safety Consultant for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Omaha office

Natalie Roy, MPH
Executive Director, AgriSafe Network

Summary:
Agribusinesses have a responsibility to prevent injuries and illnesses before they occur as well as to effectively manage injuries and return employees to work. This webinar will equip agribusinesses with tools and strategies to optimize employee health and productivity.

Upon completion of the presentation, participants will be able to:

1. Recognize significant causes of farm related injury and illness and the impact on the financial viability of the farm.
2. Discuss 10 key steps that agribusinesses have developed to effectively implement safety and health programs.
3. Identify various webinar course offering that can optimize health and productivity of farm employees
4. Access the AgriSafe Ag Health Risk Assessment eHealth tool as a strategy to improve employee health and safety