Agricultural Safety & Health
Health and safety are primary considerations in all agricultural projects and activities. Through use of educational materials, technical support, workshops, and client contact we promote the safe use of machinery, construction or modification of structures, working with animals, and using household and agricultural chemicals.
The following are just a few of the areas in which WVU Extension Specialists aim to encourage safe practices and provide information. In addition to the information found here, learn more about WVU Extension Service Safety & Health Program.
Indoor Air Quality
The indoor air quality program addresses confined space issues and indoor air pollution issues through training programs and distribution of educational materials.
- Pesticide Storage, Mixing, and Disposal on the Farm
- Hazard Alert! Handling and Storage of Grain and Silage
- Carbon Monoxide in Homes and Workshops
AgrAbility
Specifically dealing with farm work dangers (and if you have been injured, getting back the ability to garden and farm) is the Agrability program:
Agricultural and rural safety programming is provided to West Virginia residents in order to reduce and prevent injuries and illnesses in their work and living areas. Training and demonstration programs are targeted to youths, families, agricultural employees and employers, senior citizens, and emergency medical and rescue personnel.
Agromedicine
Visit the site for the West Virginia Agromedicine Program
The goals of this program are to:
- establish a comprehensive medical and educational outreach approach to rural, farm safety, and health professionals in West Virginia
- develop a practical and comprehensive understanding of the hazards associated with agricultural occupations
- provide information to answer questions for the prevention, recognition, and management of rural health issues
Who is it for?
The program is to benefit nurses, physicians, physician’s assistants, public health practitioners, other health service providers, university researchers, Extension outreach educators, representatives from all levels of government, people involved with agribusiness, students, and farm family members.
Various Farm Safety and Health Publications:
- Animal Handling Tips – SA 17.1
- Beware of Farm Machine Hazards – SA 21.4
- Get Ready to Heat with Firewood
- Hazard Alert! Handling and Storage of Grain and Silage
- Lawn and Garden Safety Checklist – SA 9.1
- Livestock Safety—Facilities and Equipment – SA 17.3
- Livestock Safety—Manure Handling and Storage – SA 17.4
- Radon – SA 33
- Riding Lawn Mower Safety – SA 9
- Safe Transportation of Livestock – SA 17
- Safe Use of All-Terrain Vehicles
- Safety Aspects of Lawn Mowers – SA 9.2
- Tractor Safety – SA 12.1
- Using Hay and Forage Harvesting Equipment Safely – SA 21.2
- Working Safely With Poultry – SA 17.2
Related Web Sites:
