Beat the Heat Before URINE Trouble The heat has claimed 14 lives in the southern U.S. so far this summer. Agriculture, logging, forestry, and commercial fishing workers are exposed to extreme heat for extended periods of time on the jobsite. Proper hydration is a simple and effective method for preventing heat illness and there is … Read more
If you are a shark week enthusiast you might believe that sharks are one of the most dangerous creatures on earth, but what about cows? Show me the “cowfacts”! According to the National Agricultural Safety Database, one in three farm injuries involve animals and cattle are the main contributor. 1 Bulls were responsible for 48% … Read more
May is mental health month. The Texas Department of Agriculture, the Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education (SW Ag Center), and the AgriSafe Network want to break the stigma and remind producers and their families that it is okay to ask for help. The CDC defines mental health as “an important part … Read more
For most farm families, pesticides and insecticides are used frequently as a part of their agricultural operation. However, children can be exposed to these harmful chemicals if they are not properly stored, handled or applied. Parents can also unintentionally serve as “vectors” for residues transferred via their skin, clothing, and footwear into family vehicles and … Read more
Did you know that noise-induced hearing loss can be permanent? The CDC defines noise-induced hearing loss as “hearing loss that can result from damage to structures and/or nerve fibers in the inner ear that respond to sound. This type of hearing loss, termed noise-induced hearing loss, is usually caused by exposure to excessively loud sounds … Read more
Avoid the “love” bugs, don’t kiss the animals! We know love is in the air this month. And while there isn’t really a love bug, viruses, bacteria, funguses, parasites, and other microorganisms can pass from people to animals and vice versa especially through kissing. WHAT ARE ZOONOTIC DISEASES? Zoonotic Diseases, or zoonoses, are infectious diseases … Read more
According to the new John Deere agreement, US farmers will now be able to repair their own tractors and farm equipment. This is great news for farmers who have had to wait days or weeks for an official repair that often undermined their planting and harvesting schedules. However, as more tractor and equipment owners are … Read more
A recent study by Penn State researchers revealed agriculture-related injuries are more numerous than previously known. From 2015-2019, more than 60,000 people were treated in emergency departments for nonfatal, agricultural-related injuries. The journal of AgroMedicine recently published findings that revealed most injuries in agriculture occurred from April through September. The most common injury was fracture, … Read more
According to NIOSH, “the goal of the science of ergonomics is to find the best fit between worker and job conditions.” For those in agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF), work is not often accommodated to fit the needs of the worker. Work is strenuous, laboring, and tiresome. This kind of work environment can lead to … Read more
When it comes to the fall harvest, there is a lot to be done. A sense of urgency can lead to more injuries and incidents. This month’s article includes 6 tips to keep family and workers safe on the farm. Pre-planning for harvest season is especially paramount when it comes to preventing life-altering incidents. Step … Read more