Supporting producer safety, health and well-being

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control suggests that agriculture is one of the most dangerous businesses in the United States. An estimated 160 agricultural workers are injured every day, resulting in more than 58,000 injuries a year. According to a 2019 USDA report, approximately 19% of farmers have a disability. Land-grant universities are providing training to reduce injuries, support behavioral health and enable producers to maintain safety and productivity through the use of assistive devices.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• Michigan farmers and family members face high risks of fatal and nonfatal injuries from grain bins, manure pits, livestock and equipment. Extension collaborated with partners to deliver safety programs addressing hazard identification, confined space entry procedures, air quality monitoring and lockout practices, in addition to hands-on sessions to practice rescue techniques. Across four sites, 54 individuals participated in manure pit and grain bin programs, and 80 individuals participated in grain bin rescue training, reducing the likelihood of serious injury and improving emergency response capabilities.
  Michigan State University Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds; state appropriations. See full statement.

• To help individuals with a disability or physical limitations continue working safely and successfully, Colorado AgrAbility Project rehabilitation specialists conducted 26 new on-farm assessments and 14 full assessment referral reports. These assessments, along with evaluations and application support, helped clients apply for $1M in assistive technology to increase safety and maintain productivity.
  Colorado State University Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• Stigma and cultural expectations around behavioral health can create barriers for agencies and providers seeking to deliver services to agricultural communities. A summit in Colorado brought together participants from thirty organizations to learn more about agricultural stressors, better understand statewide resources and expand readiness to support producers and farm workers. Extension specialists facilitated sessions including a panel discussion on integrating behavioral health into agricultural systems and a review of current research. They also offered training for therapists to better support agriculture clients.
  Colorado State University Extension. Supported by state appropriations. See full statement.