Southwest Ag Center

Fact Sheets and Guides Choosing the Right Respirator Part 1 Choosing the Right Respirator Part 2 Gas Monitors for Agriculture Knowing the Difference: Fit Test vs. User Seal Check Manure Storage Pit Dangers: Identifying Hazardous Gases Farmers and Asbestos NIOSH eNews | Lung Inflammation in Poultry Farm Workers Linked to Dust Bacteria Respiratory Health Training … Read more

Tractors Tractors are considered a critical piece of equipment by most, however tractors are also the number one cause of death on the farm. Failure to observe safety precautions when operating tractors and attachments can result in serious injury or death. The most common types of serious accidents are: Rollovers Runnovers Being caught in moving … Read more

Understanding cattle behavior can help farm and ranch workers avoid dangerous situations.  Temple Grandin, Colorado State University animal behavior specialist, states that “handling practices can be less stressful to the animals and safer for the handler if one understands the  behavioral characteristics of livestock.” An animal’s physical structure, psychological makeup, environment, and individual personality can … Read more

Workers who are exposed to extreme heat or work in hot environments may be at risk of heat stress.  Heat stress can result in heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps, or heat rashes. Heat can also increase the risk of injuries in workers as it may result in sweaty palms, fogged-up safety glasses, and dizziness. … Read more

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Those in agriculture face an increased risk for suicide and mental health challenges.  This is often due to social and geographical isolation, weather variability (such as extreme droughts  or flash floods), limited access to health services, and fluctuating commodity prices. All of these factors have a direct impact on ag workers’ mental health. Stigma and … Read more