AgriSafe Network

Webinar: Preventing Workplace Violence for Forestry Workers
2023-10-11 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-01-18 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Summary: Forestry and logging workers are exposed to a range of biological hazards, extreme weather, accidents, and – especially for women– assault. Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. This training will review the many forms of workplace violence among co-workers, including sexual harassment. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) states that “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees’ employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” In this presentation, AgriSafe will focus on educating forestry employees and their employers on reporting violent incidents to authorities, informing employees of their legal rights, and safe work practices.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to understand…
1. The scope and nature of workplace violence occurring in the forestry sector today.
2. Employers’ responsibilities in addressing workplace violence and implementing preventive measures.
3. Effective strategies and interventions can make the workplace safer and more responsive to employee victims.
Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Talking About Ticks- Lyme Disease
2023-11-15 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: As people spend more time outdoors, so do many insects and pests. Among them are ticks, which are small bloodsucking insects. The deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is found mainly in the Eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the U.S. It can cause conditions such as Lyme disease – the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This webinar will cover the things you need to know to prevent tick bites when working outdoors, how to remove a tick if bitten, as well as the symptoms that can result from tick bites that may indicate Lyme Disease.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for Ag professionals, educators, and individuals involved in working and recreation outdoors.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Gain an understanding of tick-borne disease control measures to reduce exposure risks among ag workers.
Describe Lyme Disease and its regional variation.
Describe symptoms of the different types of Lyme Disease.
Identify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities for the workplace.

Watch Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-36995-HA1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive
2023-11-29 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-03-06 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: 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, over half of all human pathogens are zoonotic and have represented nearly all emerging pathogens in the past decade. Farmers and farmworkers have a higher risk of contracting zoonotic diseases because of the frequency of their animal exposure.
Prevention is the best defense. Understanding how the disease transmission process works, building a team, and effectively communicating within that team is 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.
Intended Audience: Supervisor or Managers: This training is intended primarily for health and safety professionals, including but not limited to owner/operators, safety officers or specialists, managers, supervisors, safety coordinators, health safety and environmental interns, and any person or persons who serve as safety personnel in an agricultural setting.
Producers: This training is intended primarily for agricultural producers, including but not limited to farmers, ranchers, and any person or persons involved in some combination of raising field crops, orchards, vineyards, horticulture, or other livestock.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Define zoonotic disease and identify various modes of transmission.
Identify a minimum of four significant zoonotic diseases affecting the production agricultural population.
Discuss warning signs and symptoms of major zoonotic diseases which have adverse effects on reproductive health.
Locate at least three recommended educational resources for training an agricultural workforce.

This material was produced under grant number SH-05068-SH8 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. Revisions were made to this material under grant number SH-36995-HA1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Musculoskeletal & Ergonomic Safety for Forest Workers
2023-12-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-04-10 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-07-24 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Forest workers face unique ergonomic challenges due to their exposure to extreme environmental conditions, heavy workload, and dangerous tools and machines. The forest sector has one of the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), almost 100 times higher than the industrial targets the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) set. This program is intended to help forest workers identify ergonomic issues leading to musculoskeletal injuries and discover resources to aid in injury treatment and prevention.
Objectives: At the end of the webinar, participants will be able to…
1. Identify work site hazards and potential resulting musculoskeletal injuries.
2. Identify three initiatives aimed at reducing risks related to musculoskeletal injuries.
3. Locate evidence-based resources in the forestry health and safety field that address ergonomic security.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Talking About Ticks- Lyme Disease
2024-01-31 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: As people spend more time outdoors, so do many insects and pests. Among them are ticks, which are small bloodsucking insects. The deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is found mainly in the Eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the U.S. It can cause conditions such as Lyme disease – the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This webinar will cover the things you need to know to prevent tick bites when working outdoors, how to remove a tick if bitten, as well as the symptoms that can result from tick bites that may indicate Lyme Disease.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for Ag professionals, educators, and individuals involved in working and recreation outdoors.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Gain an understanding of tick-borne disease control measures to reduce exposure risks among ag workers.
Describe Lyme Disease and its regional variation.
Describe symptoms of the different types of Lyme Disease.
Identify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities for the workplace.

Register Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-36995-HA1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Chainsaw Safety Training
2024-02-01 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: The Chainsaw Safety training program is intended for workers and managers in the agricultural and forestry industries. The major focus of the program is on the identification of and the safe operation of chainsaws. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 36,000 people are injured by chainsaws annually.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to:

Describe the purpose of OSHA’s rule on chainsaw safety.
Explain the basic requirements of chainsaw safety.
List the components of creating a safe work environment.
Discuss the proper PPE to be worn during chainsaw operations
Review the precheck of the equipment before starting the job.

Watch Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Hearing Loss Prevention for Forest Workers
2024-02-28 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Hearing loss is common, especially among workers who are exposed to hazardous noise where they work. Forestry and Logging are among the top industry sectors for worker exposure to hazardous noise that can contribute to hearing loss. According to The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), noise-exposed workers in Forestry and Logging had a higher percentage of hearing loss (21%) than all noise-exposed industries combined (19%). This training will discuss effective methods for preventing hearing loss from noise in forestry.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, and logging equipment operators.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Recognize the importance of preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
Identify hearing loss risk factors among workers and potential mitigation strategies.
Identify hearing protection devices that are available to workers.
Recognize the signs and adverse health effects of hearing loss.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Navigating the Impact of COVID-19, Influenza, & RSV on Agricultural Workers: A Comprehensive Overview
2024-03-19 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV are all viruses spread by droplets and direct contact with infected people. Each virus has its specific causes, symptoms, severity, and vaccines for prevention. The distinction of these viruses is critical, especially given the multiple barriers and exposure factors for agricultural workers. This presentation will explore the risks agricultural workers face, preventative measures, and strategies to maintain personal and community health.
Intended Audience: Agricultural workers and producers
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…
1. Identify specific symptoms of COVID-19, Influenza, & RSV
2. Review current testing and treatment options for COVID-19, Influenza, & RSV
3. Provide resources on workplace safety for agricultural employers and employees
Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-000099-SH3 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Talking About Ticks- Lyme Disease
2024-03-20 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: As people spend more time outdoors, so do many insects and pests. Among them are ticks, which are small bloodsucking arachnids. The deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is found mainly in the Eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the U.S. It can cause conditions such as Lyme disease – the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This webinar will cover the things you need to know to prevent tick bites when working outdoors, how to remove a tick if bitten, as well as the symptoms that can result from tick bites that may indicate Lyme Disease.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for Ag professionals, educators, and individuals involved in working and recreation outdoors.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Gain an understanding of tick-borne disease control measures to reduce exposure risks among ag workers.
Describe Lyme Disease and its regional variation.
Describe symptoms of the different types of Lyme Disease.
Identify workers’ rights and employers’ responsibilities for the workplace.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-36995-HA1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Stress Control Strategies for the Forestry and Timber Workforce
2024-03-21 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Stress can directly impact safety. Whether managing forestry wildfires or working long strenuous days harvesting and hauling timber, the forestry and logging workforce face unique situations that can predispose stress and challenges to mental well-being. The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (AgFF) industries has one of highest percentages of deaths by suicide. Key factors contributing to despair and distress include financial losses, chronic illness or pain, a sense of work-life imbalance, and lack of mental health support. And it is common to encounter circumstances beyond their control, such as unpredictable weather patterns, rapidly changing prices, and long workdays sometimes in isolation. Perceived lack of control can lead to helplessness and hopelessness, anxiety, depression, substance use and suicide. This session will explore the topic with a review of specific risk factors, and discuss ways to support this workforce in an unpredictable environment.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to…

Identify the factors that contribute to stress overload in the forestry and timber harvesting occupations.
Relate the effects of stress overload to the safety of the work site and personal life.
Identify effective strategies for effective stress management to improve safety and quality of life.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Protecting Ag Employees from Infectious Diseases in the Post-COVID Era
2024-03-27 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: In the wake of the global impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), the urgency to safeguard agricultural employees from infectious diseases has become paramount. Acknowledging the rapid and profound effects of the pandemic on a global scale, particularly its impact on individuals engaged in essential agricultural work, there is a heightened need to implement robust measures to mitigate the heightened risk of adverse health and economic consequences among this workforce. Addressing the challenges posed by the post-COVID era, it is imperative to adapt and enhance workplace safety protocols to ensure the well-being of agricultural workers, recognizing their critical role in sustaining essential food production.
This presentation aims to emphasize proactive measures that employers can implement to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases. Key focus areas will encompass education and training, the proper utilization of personal protective equipment, adherence to rigorous hygiene practices, effective sanitation and disinfection protocols, robust communication and outreach strategies, well-prepared emergency response plans, and the incorporation of cultural sensitivity considerations. Employers can create safer and healthier work environments by addressing these comprehensive elements.
Intended Audience: Farm/Ranch owners and operators, health and safety professionals, and anyone who serves as safety personnel in an agricultural setting.
Objectives: After the program, participants will be able to…

Develop a comprehensive understanding of infectious disease control measures to mitigate exposure risks for agricultural workers and employers.
Formulate an infectious disease assessment and control plan by incorporating guidelines provided by the CDC.
Demonstrate awareness of the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing infectious diseases within the agricultural workplace.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-000099-SH3 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Combating Heat and Cold Stress for Forestry Workers
2024-04-24 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-06-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2024-08-21 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Forestry workers may be subject to extreme heat and cold. Working outdoors makes people more likely to become dehydrated and experience heat-related illness or heat stress. High temperatures reduce work capacity and may lead to heat stress and dehydration. Although exposure to heat stress is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and some cases are fatal. Similarly, cold weather can reduce dexterity, blood flow, muscle strength, and balance. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains are all illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress. However, forestry workers can avoid heat-related illness and cold stress with proper information and preventative action. This presentation will explore both weather-related conditions and their impact on outdoor workers.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: After the training, participants will be able to…

Define Heat Stress, Cold Stress, and their related conditions.
Identify vulnerable populations and critical warning signs for interventions.
Share essential resources for Workplace Safety Practices.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant #SH-000099-SH3 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Skid Loader Safety
2024-05-22 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Skid loaders are useful and versatile machines in the hands of appropriate operators. To utilize them to their utmost, we must understand there is inherent risk in the operation of the machine. This class will talk over some of the basics of skid loader operation including why there should be no passengers, proper transport, safety features, and blind spots.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the training, participants will be able to:

Discuss statistics regarding skid loader accidents (injuries & fatalities)
Recognize the need for operators to understand the manual
Discuss maintenance, upkeep, and repair
Discuss the need for proper securement when transporting
Review various warning labels
Discuss crush and pinch points
Describe proper methods of working on the machine with the boom up
Review various points of operator safety (guarding, safety features, entry and exit)
Discuss why riders should not be allowed and why the machines must have age-appropriate operators
Discuss visibility and blind spots

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant #SH-000099-SH3 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Preventing Workplace Violence for Forestry Workers
2024-07-10 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Forestry and logging workers are exposed to a range of biological hazards, extreme weather, accidents, and – especially for women– assault. Workplace violence is violence or the threat of violence against workers. This training will review the many forms of workplace violence among co-workers, including sexual harassment. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) states that “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” In this presentation, AgriSafe will focus on educating forestry employees and their employers on reporting violent incidents to authorities, informing employees of their legal rights, and safe work practices.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, logging equipment operators, sawing machine setters, operators and tenders, and truck drivers.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to understand:
1. The scope and nature of workplace violence occurring in the forestry sector today.
2. Employers’ responsibilities in addressing workplace violence and implementing preventive measures.
3. Effective strategies and interventions that can make the workplace safer and more responsive to employee victims.
Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

Webinar: Hearing Loss Prevention for Forest Workers
2024-08-29 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Hearing loss is common, especially among workers who are exposed to hazardous noise where they work. Forestry and logging are among the top industry sectors for worker exposure to hazardous noise that can contribute to hearing loss. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), noise-exposed workers in forestry and logging had a higher percentage of hearing loss (21%) than all noise-exposed industries combined (19%). This training will discuss effective methods for preventing hearing loss from noise in forestry.
Intended Audience: This course is intended for workers in forestry and logging, including fallers, first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers, and logging equipment operators.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Recognize the importance of preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
Identify hearing loss risk factors among workers and potential mitigation strategies.
Identify hearing protection devices that are available to workers.
Recognize the signs and adverse health effects of hearing loss.

Watch the Recording Here
This material was produced under grant number SH-39184-SH2 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
