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SPOTLIGHT: Reality Check – Farm Safety

Isn’t it satisfying to check items off a to-do list? UMASH created a safety resource that allows you to do exactly that. The Farm Safety Check is a free, quick, already assembled tool that can be used to prevent injuries from happening by identifying and addressing risks. …

SPOTLIGHT: Keeping a safe eye on what we write, say and show in agriculture

The media play an important role in reinforcing safety in agriculture and in rural life across the United States. What we write, say and show as images need to characterize safe agricultural practices. While not intentional, unsafe practices can find a way into the mainstream and social media as well as advertising.  By keeping a safe eye on what we produce and publish, we all take a step forward to safety and health in the agriculture community. …

SPOTLIGHT: Ag Safety – Communication is Key

Communication is key. Although this overly-heard cliche provides no solution, it’s a good reminder of the importance of communication. To put it simply, when communication is bad, things don’t go well. This is no different for the agriculture community. Whether communication takes place between ag-producers, ag-experts, or through media channels, it plays an incredibly important role in keeping ag-safety information relevant and up-to-date. …

SPOTLIGHT: Direct to you – Safety Videos via YouTube

In the busy life of farming, it is important to reach farmers where they are with relevant safety information to protect themselves, their families and their workers. The eleven U.S. Agricultural Centers have collaborated to provide this information via YouTube. …

SPOTLIGHT: We are grateful for our partners

November is a month to reflect and be thankful. Bruce Alexander, Director of UMASH, puts into words how grateful we are as an organization to partner with exceptional collaborators such as Monica Cruz Zorrilla and the Consulate of Mexico in Saint Paul. …

SPOTLIGHT: A Better Way to Return To Work

When farm workers are forced to take time off due to sickness or injuries, the current return-to-work process has often been a hardship for both the individual and the farm business. The UMASH-funded project, Facilitating Return to Work for Injured and Ill Animal Agriculture Workers, created a system for clinicians to use when assessing a farmers’ injury or sickness. …

SPOTLIGHT: Pesky Occupations

Tick- borne diseases are particularly threatening to people who spend a majority of their days in high-risk tick areas such as farmers, DNR members, and soldiers. Dr. Claudia Munoz-Zanzi, Environmental Health Sciences Associate Professor at the University of Minnesota, set out to lay the groundwork for TBD research and prevention in her UMASH-funded pilot project Tick-borne Disease Risk for Agricultural Workers and their Families in the Midwest. …

SPOTLIGHT: A Solution to the Silent but Deadly Farm Gases

There are many stories. Stories of farmers with chronic illnesses. Stories of middle aged ag-workers suffering from respiratory issues. Stories of farm families losing their lives to hydrogen sulfide toxins. According to Agrisafe Network Clinical Director Carolyn Sheridan, these stories are happening everywhere and far too often. …