AgriSafe Network

Dr. Lisa Morici talks about how the vaccines have been developed, the safety and efficacy information from clinical trials, and why vaccination works to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Please listen in so together we can reduce the spread of misinformation and help agricultural communities access the Covid-19 vaccine.

Studies show that COVID-19 vaccines are very effective at keeping you from getting COVID-19. Now that there are authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines in the United States, accurate vaccine information is critical. COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic. None of the COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so a COVID-19 vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.  While more COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as quickly as possible, routine processes and procedures remain in place to ensure the safety of any vaccine that is authorized or approved for use. Safety is a top priority, and there are many reasons to get vaccinated.

Intended Audience: Agriculture producers, safety and health professionals, health care providers, other people working in agriculture.

This Train the Trainer course is designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders and others who work with young adults.

Agricultural producers are at high risk for acquiring a zoonotic disease related to their work environment with minimal information related to risks, symptoms and prevention. The majority of emerging infectious diseases in the U.S. are zoonotic in nature. They are often difficult to determine and many go unreported for a variety of reasons.

Zoonotic Diseases are transmitted between farm animals and humans and can pose additional risks to those who are pregnant. According to the World Health Organization, more than half of all human pathogens are zoonotic and have represented nearly all emerging pathogens during the past decade. Farmers and farm workers have higher levels of risk for contracting zoonotic diseases because of the frequency of their exposure to animals. Prevention is the best defense. Understanding how the disease transmission process works, building a team and effectively communicating within that team are essential in preventing the spread of zoonotic disease. Women working in agriculture should be aware of the following special considerations during pregnancy; which animals are common carriers of zoonotic disease, symptoms of the disease(s), prevention measures, and pregnancy risks.

Anhydrous ammonia (NH3) is an effective nitrogen crop fertilizer used throughout the Midwest and beyond.  Anhydrous ammonia is potentially dangerous, as it seeks water from the nearest source, which may be the human body – especially the eyes, lungs, and skin because of their high moisture content.  Few problems occur when anhydrousammonia is handled properly and applied as intended.  However, it is important for all individuals working with this type of fertilizer to understand the potential health risks, necessary safety precautions, and proper response in the event of an exposure.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is one of the last lines of defense for workers against Anhydrous Ammonia injuries. Women in all industries, including agriculture, have trouble finding and purchasing respiratory protective equipment that fits and is safe and comfortable wear. The National Safety Council, in a 2019 publication of Safety and Health, reported OSHA documentation indicating the lack of a full range of PPE, as well as, employers’ limited knowledge of PPE designed for women – as some of the reasons for the difficulty.  Focus of the training is on anhydrous ammonia safety during transport and application, including the anatomy of the nurse tank and toolbar, safety inspection processes, hitching and unhitching safety, personal protective equipment (PPE), rural roadway safety, and first aid/emergency procedures.  Hazard communication and emergency action plans will also be addressed.

Respiratory protection strategies for women working in agriculture can be a challenge.  Purchasing respiratory protective equipment and achieving proper fit is often difficult. This webinar will address dangerous exposures in agricultural work and the importance of respiratory protective equipment for women. It will include training tips and evidence-based resources for use in clinical practice and worker education.

Back injuries are one of the most common forms of farm-related injuries.  Protection of the spine and related musculature is one of the most important steps a producer can do to remain active on the farm. Men and women are equally prone to work-related back pain and the first episode usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. Training will focus on whole body vibration, causes of back injuries/pain, doable strategies to prevent injuries/pain, and other considerations.

Speakers: 

Dan Neenan, MBA, Paramedic- NECAS Manager

Linda Emanuel, RN- Community Health Nurse, AgriSafe Network

To view this free webinar and access related resources, please visit- https://learning.agrisafe.org/NFSHW2020

Thirty-six percent of the 3.4 million producers counted in the census are women. Education will focus on all women including farmworker women and their employers on reporting violent incidents to authorities, making employees aware of their legal rights, safe work practices, medical referrals, treatment, and options including counseling if needed.

Speakers: 

Knesha Rose-Davison, MPH - Public Health Program Director, AgriSafe Network.

Dennise Drury-  MPH Student in Environmental Health and the Outreach and Education Specialist for the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Health and Safety Center

Jody Early, Ph.D., M.S., MCHES- Associate Professor, Faculty Coordinator, Health Education and Promotion Minor, School of Nursing and Health Studies, University of Washington Bothell

To view this free webinar and related resources visit- https://learning.agrisafe.org/NFSHW2020

This session is a panel presentation that communicates a forward vision addressing disparities in agricultural mental health. The presenters will explore the development of a farmer specific hotline, the efforts of a state department of agriculture, and suggested strategies to address a central objective-to meet the mental health needs of ALL agricultural producers and their families. This session is designed to spark discussion, ideas, collaborations between community and governmental groups to thoughtfully build a mental health safety net across cultures.

Panel of Speakers- 

Tara Haskins, DNP, RN; 

Dr. Jewel H. Bronaugh, Commissioner- Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Joan M. Mazur, PhD, Professor, Southeast Center for Agriculture Health and Injury Prevention, University of Kentucky

To view this free webinar and it related resources visit- https://learning.agrisafe.org/NFSHW2020

Agriculture work sites, shared worker housing, and shared worker transportation vehicles present unique challenges for preventing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Consistent application of specific preparation, prevention, and management measures can help reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Best practices in Covid-19 testing and contact training will be shared to help agricultural producers identify strategies for responding on their farm. The CDC Covid-19 prevention guidance for agriculture will also be shared to assist employers in adopting recommendations to protect workers.

Panel of Speakers: 

Chad Roy, PhD, MSPH-  Director, Infectious Disease Aerobiology, Director, Biodefense Research Programs at the Tulane National Primate Research Center, Professor of Microbiology & Immunology, Tulane School of Medicine

Natalie Roy, MPH-  AgriSafe Executive Director

 To view the full free webinar and resources visit- https://learning.agrisafe.org/NFSHW2020

Safety planning is one of the most difficult to justify because you never know the amount of time, money, or lives you are saving for accidents that don't happen. With more children likely to be on the farm than ever before in history again this Fall, it is even more critical we take action for Emergency Response Planning. Shay Foulk, a Safety Consultant with Ag View Solutions, will speak on how to navigate the difficult conversations, implementation, and sustainability of Emergency Response Planning. No different than any other business, Shay works with farming operations to assess risks, identify solutions, and implement them in a manner that is practical and easy for farms. 

To view the full webinar and related resources visit: https://learning.agrisafe.org/NFSHW2020