Farm Safety
Farming is a hazardous profession. While the total number of agricultural fatalities has been decreasing in recent years, 285 farmers and ranchers were killed on the job in 2007 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. NIFA addresses the issue of farm safety by supporting Cooperative Extension Service programs that train workers in appropriate field practices and equipment use and maintenance.
General Information
NIFA also supports the AgrAbility program, which reached 2,287 new disabled farmers and ranchers through education, assistance, and networking from 2004-2008 with on-farm assessments and assistive technology implementation on their worksites.
Overall, NIFA farm safety efforts strive to help workers avoid workplace hazards, assist those with disabilities remain employed, and ensure equal access to the agriculture profession for all workers, regardless of background or ability.
While research cannot directly link agricultural safety education to reductions in fatalities, survey studies have linked extension education to increase in knowledge of hazards and changes in practices that will reduce risk of exposure to the hazards. By ensuring agricultural workers safety, they are able to utilize their knowledge and skills current to remain economically competitive and safe in an often economically and physically challenging agricultural work environment.
Partnerships
Resources
- Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification Listening Session for FY 2013 RFA
- Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads White Paper Development
Program Specific Resources
External Resources
- Education resources and services for health professionals, AgriSafe Network
- Disability definition, reports, statistics, and more, U.S. Census Bureau
- Disability-related programs, initiatives, and resources, U.S. Dept. of Education
- Discretionary grant, training, and other programs, U.S. Department of Education
- Funding opportunities and more at the NIDRR, U.S. Department of Education
- International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, WHO
- National Ag Safety Database
- MEDLINE Plus: Farm, food, drug, and child safety, USNLM and NIH
- Office of Extramural Programs training, grants, and more, NIOSH/CDC
- Reports, resources and publications focused on rural issues, NFMC
- Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department of Education
- State Child Labor Laws Applicable to Agricultural Employment, U.S. Dept. of Labor
- NIFA-funded studies and development assist people with disabilities