AgriSafe in Action- February 2017  

Grain Bin Safety Awareness Week 

Grain Bin Safety continues to be a huge threat to agriculture producers. As such, 2017 marks the fourth annual Grain Bin Safety Week on February 19 - 25.   The goal of this week is to reduce preventable grain entrapments and deaths associated with grain handling and storage.

According to the 2011 Farm and Ranch Safety Survey, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that less than 7% of the nearly 770,000 grain bins on America's farms are equipped with a harness and life line to prevent grain engulfment.

To support the work of several National Partners on Grain Bin Safety, AgriSafe will host a free webinar on February 22, from 3:00 - 4:00 PM Central Standard Time. This webinar, " Seconds to Tragedy Video and Curriculum for Young Worker Safety,"will be presented by   Marsha Salzwedel, M.S., from the  National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety.  To register for this free safety training event, click here . 
New! AgriSafe Develops Two Producer Resources 

Farm Flood Health Threats, Risk Factors During Recovery

AgriSafe has created a new resource to address the unique health threats that farm producers face during and after a flood. This guide, the first of its kind, highlights key health threats that producers and their families should be aware of.  This  resource was created as a direct response to the flooding that occurred in Louisiana and North Carolina in 2016. 

In this resource Risk Factors, Prevention Tips, and Fact Sheets are offered in a simple and brief glance to identify key health risks. Topics covered include Zoonotic Disease, Well Water, Chemical, Mold, Stress and Heat Related Illness. 

 AgriSafe in partnership with the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, AirGas, and your donations;  were able to provide 500 kits of personal protective equipment to farmers impacted by the floods. Thank you!

Respirator Algorithm- Which Respirator is Right for the Farm Work You Do? 

AgriSafe has a new tool for producers to help identify respiratory exposures and determine which respiratory protection to use. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Additional recommendations can be found at agrisafe.org .

2017 Agricultural Medicine Course- North Carolina 

This course is designed to help healthcare providers in all disciplines and settings better understand the culture of agriculture and the health risks and illnesses associated with living and working in rural communities. Associated learning activities provide participants with invaluable information and skills to recognize and work together to address  and/or prevent occupational illness and injury in the farm environment. The course also prepares healthcare providers to become nationally recognized as AgriSafe® providers.


This course will be offered  as a workshop on March 2,3 & April 6,7, 2017.  In addition, webinars shall be offered March 10,17,24,31 & April 4,11,18,21, 2017

Jointly provided by
Greensboro AHEC and the North Carolina Agromedicine Institute and in partnership with Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health and North Carolina Tobacco Trust Fund Commission

For more information click here.

Upcoming Webinars (Register Early, Space Limited) 
 
Seconds to Tragedy: Video and Curriculum for Young Worker Safety
Feb . 22, 2017 - **
3-4pm Central Time**
No Cost  

Presenter:
Marsha Salzwedel, M.S.
National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety 



Zika 101
Feb. 28, 2017 - 12-1pm Central Time
No Cost

Presenter:  Abigail Smith, RN, BSN, MPH 
Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response
Division of Emergency Operations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Understanding OSHA Standards in Agriculture 
March 8, 2017 -  12-1pm Central Time
Cost: $30 (Free for Members with coupon code)

Presenter: Carolyn Sheridan, RN, BSN 
Clinical Director 
AgriSafe Network 

Feedyard Worker Safety: Stakeholder Recommendations for Improvement
March 14, 2017 -  12-1pm Central Time
No Cost

Presenter: Ellen Duysen, MPH
Coordinator, CS-CASH 
University of Nebraska Medical Center


 
Coming Soon!

Allergic and Non-allergic Respiratory Disease in Farmers*
April 26, 2017 - 12-1pm Central Time

Presenter: Jill Poole, MD
Associate Professor, Internal Medicine Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep & Allergy
University of Nebraska Medical Center
* 
Continuing Education ( CE)  program is pending approval by the Louisiana State Nurses Association for 1.0 credit hour. 

New! 2017 Membership Options 

AgriSafe is now offering a new membership category for Agricultural Producer Businesses.

Benefits include: 
  • 20% discount on trainings
  • On Demand Webinars
  • Member Only Webinars
  • Technical Support 
  • Networking Opportunities 
  • Resources and Screening Protocols 

Also new in 2017, Organizational Members will receive a 20% discount on customized workshops or training. 

To find out more regarding these new membership options, click here.
Charlotte Halverson presents Jan 19 for Montana Pork Producers Council. 
AgriSafe Trains 200+ Ag Producers in Montana 

AgriSafe Network joined Montana Pork Producers Council  and trained over 200 members on the importance of respiratory safety and the variety of health and safety resources available to ensure working in a safe environment. 

Charlotte Halverson, BSN, COHN-S
AgriSafe Occupational Health Nurse, conducted the specialized training and was delighted with the enthusiasm of the audience to participate in the safety demonstrations. 

To customize a professional training for your organization, please contact Natalie Roy, Executive Director for AgriSafe or  call toll free 866-312-3002. 


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New Resources! NIOSH Sound Level Meter App
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) announces the availability of a  new mobile application (app) for iOS devices that will measure sound levels in the workplace to help workers learn about their noise exposure and reduce the chances of hearing loss.
NIOSH estimates that 22 million workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels every year. In addition to damaging workers' quality of life, occupational hearing loss carries a high economic burden. An estimated $242 million is spent annually on workers' compensation for hearing loss disability.
For additional guidance on Hearing Loss Prevention, please click here. 
Grain Safety Training 

Coming in March, several grain advocates, organizations and regional OSHA offices will host a Grain Safety Stand Down. The following documents will prepare you to host a grain safety event What is a Safety Stand Down and How to Conduct a Safety Stand at your work site. The Grain Safety Stand-Down will take place March 27-31, 2017. For additional information and to share your event details please click here.     
Wanted Young Advisors! 

The  AgriSafe  Network is seeking young volunteers from across the nation to join our Young Advisors Council.  Rural leaders ages 16-23 who are interested in representing perspectives of youth in agriculture are welcome to volunteer as a member of the AgriSafe Young Advisors Council (AYAC). The AYAC is a unique opportunity for youth in agriculture to impact the health and safety of their peers.  
AYAC is charged with assisting  AgriSafe  to design and launch educational initiatives that can reduce farm related illness, injury and fatalities. AYAC members have the opportunity to develop leadership skills, public health experience and may even represent  AgriSafe  at meetings or forums.
Would you like to share your story? Submit your stories or pictures with contact information to  Knesha Rose   at AgriSafe Network. We'd love to hear from you. 
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