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Why worry about safety and health in agriculture?

Running a farm operation requires farmers to wear many different hats: agronomist, animal caretaker, conservationist, mechanic, engineer, pest controller, biosecurity coordinator, accountant, marketer, pesticide safety expert, etc. At the same time, farming is one of the most dangerous and most stressful occupations. Besides negatively affecting the quality of life and well-being, physical and mental health challenges can impact the farm in several ways. This includes farm productivity, household, and farm business finances, farm business development trajectories, and, in some instances, the early ending of a career and the farm business.

Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health Program was established in 1976, with the goal of reducing agricultural-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities. The program is based in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering and is also part of Penn State Extension. Currently, the team conducts research and generates educational resources on many topics, including equipment safety, assistive technology for farmers with disabilities, tractor certification, access to health insurance and health care, and mental health.

Supporting the information and resources needs of agricultural communities

To provide practical information and resources related to farm safety and health, the Penn State Ag Safety and Health team recently launched a newsletter series. This quarterly newsletter should be of interest to any person involved in a farm operation and those involved with the farming community.

Recent newsletters have included a wide range of topics: farm equipment safety on public roads and the farm, hearing loss prevention, how to safely involve children on the farm, silo filling safety, resources for farmers with disabilities, and mental health. The newsletter also includes a list of upcoming events and courses.

To learn more about the Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health Program and stay updated on safety information, sign up for the Agricultural Health and Safety Newsletter. It is easy, and it is free.