Webinar: What to Expect While Expecting- For Female Producers & Farmworkers in Ag
2022-02-16 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Summary: Pregnancy and fertility are often not considered when women assume farm tasks. Pesticide and other chemical exposures, zoonotic diseases and heavy lifting particularly during childbearing years, present challenges.
Objectives: At the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:

Identify unique exposures/risks associated with farm tasks.
Identify at least four reproductive health and safety issues for women.
Locate three current evidenced-based resources in the field of agricultural health.
Develop Hazard Map of work exposures.
Select appropriate PPE for farm tasks to reduce or eliminate exposures and or risks.

Intended Audience: 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, poultry, or other livestock.
Watch the Recording Here

Grain Bin Safety Week
2022-02-20 - 2022-02-26
Did you know that between 1960 and 2019, 60% of documented grain entrapment cases were fatal?
Initiated by Nationwide in 2014, Grain Bin Safety Week is an annual campaign recurring the third full week of February to promote grain bin safety on farms and commercial grain-handling facilities.
A collaborative effort with industry leaders and agricultural professionals, Grain Bin Safety Week was created to raise awareness about grain bin dangers, provide education and share best safety practices. Together, we hope to reduce the number of preventable injuries and deaths associated with grain handling and storage.
Learn More

Webinar: Anhydrous Ammonia Safety for Farmworkers
2022-02-24 12:00 - 13:00
Anhydrous Ammonia Safety for Farmworkers
Summary: 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 anhydrous ammonia 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 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 to 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. The focus of this 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.
Objectives: At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to:

Identify the anatomy of a nurse tank and toolbar
Choose appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
Make use of a safety inspection process
Describe safety measures to follow during anhydrous transport and application
Apply rural roadway safety measures
Describe hitching and unhitching safety
Plan and utilize basic first aid/emergency procedures
Locate hazard communication plan and emergency action plan resources

Intended Audience: Farm/Ranch owners and operators, health and safety professionals, 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.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Promoting Peace of Mind by Addressing Heirs’ Property and Implementing Effective Succession Planning Strategies
2022-03-15 12:00 - 13:00
Promoting Peace of Mind by Addressing Heirs’ Property and Implementing Effective Succession Planning Strategies
Summary: Owning heirs’ property and experiencing the challenges that accompany this means of owning property can have a negative impact on the mental health and well-being of farmers and landowners. These impacts can be especially felt by individuals who make their living from the land. This webinar will help heirs’ property owners and the professionals who support them to understand the challenges that heirs’ property owners face, identify paths toward clearing title, and learn strategies for preventing the occurrence of heirs’ property in the future.
Objectives: Following the session, the learner will be able to….
1. Identify when heirs’ property may be present
2. Understand the challenges and stressors that can result from owning heirs’ property
3. Identify potential solutions to addressing heirs’ property ownership
4. Propose potential strategies to minimize the occurrence of heirs’ property through estate planning
View the Recording Here
The Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers 0.10 CEU or 1.0 contact hour/s of participation. This course is eligible for 1.0 CPH Recertification Credits and is sponsored by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, an approved provider of CPH Recertification Credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. The following groups of professionals have been able to use these CEUs in the past; Industrial Hygiene (CIH), Certified Public Health Professional(CPH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Nursing (RN, LPN), Social Work (LSW), Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Audiology (ABA), and others. Please contact your accrediting agency regarding any questions about receiving credits.

National Public Health Week
2022-04-04 - 2022-04-10
During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the United States to observe National Public Health Week as a time to recognize the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving our nation’s health. For over 25 years, APHA has served as the organizer of NPHW. APHA champions the health of all the people and all communities.

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2022-04-07 12:00 - 13:30
What is QPR? QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer.
To attend this training participants must be 18 years of age or older.
In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide:
– Information on the unique challenges farmers face that can lead to stress, depression, and suicide.
– Examples implementing each QPR component with someone at risk for suicide.
– Information on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Registration spots are limited, so please only register if you can attend the event. No recording of this training will be available. Interested in hosting a QPR training session for your organization? Contact Olivia Bury (obury@agrisafe.org) for more information!

Webinar: Tools to Help Manage Financial Risk for Livestock Producers
2022-04-12 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Changing climate, market conditions, and many other factors impact the work and health of livestock producers, ranchers, and farmers. When a natural disaster is added on top of other stressors, support from a variety of sources is needed. This webinar will focus on the USDA Disaster Assistance Programs available to support producers who are raising livestock.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Understand the options available to livestock producers through USDA Disaster Assistance programs
Explore the timeline and process requirements for participation in these programs
Summarize the program benefits to farmer/rancher mental and financial health

Intended Audience: Livestock producers, ranchers, farmers, ag safety and health professionals
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: ATV-UTV Safety for Women
2022-04-20 12:00 - 13:00, 2022-06-27 12:00 - 13:00
ATV-UTV Safety for Women
Summary: Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries, and farming is one of few industries in which family members (who often share the work and live on the premises) are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. ATVs and UTVs are found on all types of farms; they are useful for agricultural work, but they also pose serious hazards to operators and passengers. Studies indicate that injured ATV/UTV passengers are more commonly female and youth and that helmet use is significantly lower for passengers. The focus of the training would be on ATV/UTV maintenance and safety features, personal protective equipment (PPE), load and weight considerations, operation on public roadways, as well as employee training and considerations for working alone.
Intended Audience: 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, poultry, or other livestock.
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.
Watch Now

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2022-04-21 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-04-28 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-05 12:00 - 13:30
What is QPR? QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer.
To attend this training participants must be 18 years of age or older.
In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide:
– Information on the unique challenges farmers face that can lead to stress, depression, and suicide.
– Examples implementing each QPR component with someone at risk for suicide.
– Information on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Registration spots are limited, so please only register if you can attend the event. No recording of this training will be available. Interested in hosting a QPR training session for your organization? Contact Olivia Bury (obury@agrisafe.org) for more information!
Register

Webinar: Ag Worker Health and Avian Influenza
2022-05-04 12:30 - 13:15
Summary: Avian Influenza is a disease caused by viruses that can infect birds and people. Avian influenza viruses are routinely present in wild bird species and can be transmitted to backyard and commercial poultry, but very rarely to people. This presentation will focus on understanding the current state of the avian influenza outbreak in the US and provide recommendations for personal protective equipment for people who work with poultry and poultry products.
Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to…

Describe avian influenza and how it can be transmitted between birds
Identify appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to use when working with exposed or ill animals
Recognize the human signs and symptoms that may indicate an avian influenza exposure
Access evidence-based health & safety resources focused on safe practices when working around potential animal-borne diseases

Intended Audience: Ag producers, farmers, poultry workers, veterinarians, healthcare providers, and anyone with exposure to poultry or other birds
This webinar is offered in English with Spanish interpretation, provided courtesy of the National Center for Farmworker Health

Watch the Recording Here

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2022-05-12 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-05-19 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-05-26 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-06-02 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-06-09 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-06-23 10:00 - 11:30, 2022-07-14 12:00 - 13:30
What is QPR? QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer.
To attend this training participants must be 18 years of age or older.
In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide:
– Information on the unique challenges farmers face that can lead to stress, depression, and suicide.
– Examples implementing each QPR component with someone at risk for suicide.
– Information on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Registration spots are limited, so please only register if you can attend the event. No recording of this training will be available. Interested in hosting a QPR training session for your organization? Contact Olivia Bury (obury@agrisafe.org) for more information!
See a list of our upcoming QPR training dates here!

National Farmworker Women's Health Week
2022-05-15 - 2022-05-21
WHAT IS NFWHW?
National Farmworker Women’s Health Week is a public awareness campaign aimed at increasing public consciousness and understanding of the health risks farmworker women face, and as an extension, their families from working in the fields.

WHEN IS NFWHW?
NFWHW will be celebrated from May 15-21, 2022.

NFWHW PURPOSE

Raise awareness about the amazing contributions farmworker women have given to society while facing daily challenges due to inequity in access to health, wage, education, and more.
Raise awareness and provide education on the devastating health effects that farmworker women face due to pesticide exposure, especially during pregnancy. It may lead to miscarriages, preterm births, low birth weight, birth defects, and earning problems in children.

NFWHW GOAL
The goal is to create a lasting conversation about the health issues facing farmworker women as well as support for programs and efforts that work to educate and mitigate those health problems, thus improving overall farmworker women’s health education via a virtual format.
Learn More Here

AgrAbility Regional Workshop
2022-06-28 - 2022-06-30
AgrAbility is a program sponsored by the US Department of Agriculture that provides assistance to farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers, and farm family members impacted by disability, illness or chronic conditions. The program is funded through a competitive grant process for one National Project and State/ Regional Projects (currently serving 20 states). Each project involves a collaborative partnership between land grant universities and various non-profit disability services organizations.
Regional AgrAbility Workshops are a great way to network with AgrAbility peers and other professionals that have a role in assisting our clients.
This Regional Workshop will focus on urban agriculture, working with vocational rehabilitation, prescription medication safety, assistive technology in agriculture, farming with a developmental disability, business planning and work/life balance. On June 28th and 29th, there will be speakers from the National AgrAbility Project, Ohio AgrAbility Project, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, The Ohio State University, H.A.R.D. Acre Farm, LifeLyfts, Farm Service Agency, and others.
There will also be a day of Agricultural Tours on Thursday, June 30th.
In addition to those who are interested in assisting farmers with a disability or long-term health condition, this workshop would be helpful to:

Service providers (VR, state agencies, governmental organizations)
Agricultural professionals (Extension, FFA, ag educators)
Occupational/Physical therapists, staff, teachers, and students
Staff from other state AgrAbility projects and those working in ag safety, health, and wellness

You may view the agenda here: Ohio Agenda.pdf The agenda is subject to change.
Registration is open through June 22nd.
Register

Webinar: Appropriate PPE for Women in Agriculture
2022-06-28 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Agriculture is a hazardous industry associated with many occupational injuries and diseases. Workers may be exposed to various types of occupational hazards simultaneously, possibly increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical for ensuring a safe working environment in agriculture. It is essential to utilize PPE that meets safety standards, is appropriate for your work, and is the proper fit. PPE is often designed with men in mind, making adequate fit and function problematic for women in agriculture.
This training will address the different hazards in agricultural work and the appropriate PPE for women. Additionally, this training will review how to conduct both a respirator fit test and a fit check (seal check) procedure. This presentation aims to guide the selection and effectiveness of PPE worn by women in the agricultural field.
Intended Audience: 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, poultry, or other livestock.
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.
Watch Now

Webinar: Women and Heat Stress
2022-06-29 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and experience heat-related illness or heat stress. Although illness from exposure to heat is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and some cases are fatal. Agriculture is an industry where workers have suffered heat-related illnesses. Specific groups within the agricultural community, including pregnant women, older workers, and young children, could have elevated risks related to prolonged heat and humidity exposure. However, with proper information and preventative action, heat-related illness can be avoided for all populations in the agricultural community.
This training will identify the warning signs of heat-related illness and discuss prevention strategies, including protective clothing and equipment to protect agricultural workers from the risks associated with prolonged exposure to heat and humidity.
This material was produced under grant number SH-37171-SH1 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.
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Webinar: Implementing Community-Led Interventions with Gulf Coast Seafood Workers
2022-06-29 13:30 - 14:30
Summary: The University of Texas Medical Branch conducted semi-structured interviews and observations with Gulf Coast shrimp fishermen to understand their healthcare experiences and needs as well as policies that are impacting their health. Community-based participatory research (CBPR), a relational model that values the participants as equal partners in research, dissemination, and implementation, guided the interviews. To address the lack of healthcare options for (im)migrants, and at the request of the seafood workers participating in the ongoing CBPR study, we successfully implemented and treated workers through a free mobile clinic. Many of these individuals had not been seen by a healthcare provider in years, highlighting the importance of community trust and rapport building when addressing interconnected health and safety issues. CBPR, when applied to high-risk occupational settings with underreached populations (e.g., (im)migrant workers), can improve health and prevent injury.
Objectives: At the end of this presentation, participants will be able to…
– Describe the healthcare experiences and needs of (im)migrant seafood workers
– Describe the principles of CBPR and how it can be applied to total worker health research
– Discuss the difficulties of CBPR and ways to ensure the community is equitably engaged in all aspects of research-to-practice partnerships
Intended Audience: Researchers, Practitioners, or Policymakers
Watch Now

Continuing Education:
The Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers 0.10 CEU or 1.0 contact hour/s of participation. This course is eligible for 1.0 CPH Recertification Credits and is sponsored by the University of Minnesota School of Public Health, an approved provider of CPH Recertification Credits by the National Board of Public Health Examiners. The following groups of professionals have been able to use these CEUs in the past; Industrial Hygiene (CIH), Certified Public Health Professional(CPH), Certified Safety Professional (CSP), Nursing (RN, LPN), Social Work (LSW), Occupational Therapy (OT), Physical Therapy (PT), Audiology (ABA), and others. Please contact your accrediting agency regarding any questions about receiving credits.

Webinar: More than Milk: Strong Bones and Injury Prevention for Aging Women in Ag
2022-06-30 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Do farmers or ranchers really retire? Generational family operations frequently include the aging parents, the living legends of agriculture. Farmers and ranchers self-identify good health with the ability to work. The normal aging process slows down one’s ability to engage in meaningful activities physically and mentally, essentially to continue working. Swirl in the postmenopausal issues incurred by the female farmer, and a myriad of health hazards arise.
Unlike men, who experience a gradual loss of bone mass as they age, women will lose over 30% of their bone mass in the first five years after menopause. Agriculture is a hazardous and uncertain profession. Women are working well past the age of menopause. Training measures should focus on avoiding common risk factors and preventative actions to decrease the likelihood of an injury. Workplace and home safety are achievable. We will also address other age-related changes such as vision, hearing, and sleep disturbance. Every member of the family operation will benefit from learning creative strategies and solutions to help the aging in-place seniors achieve wellness and self-fulfillment.

This material was produced under grant number SH-37171-SH1 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.
Watch Now

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2022-06-30 12:00 - 13:30, 2022-07-07 10:00 - 11:30
What is QPR? QPR training teaches laypeople and professionals to recognize and respond to mental health crises using the approach of Question, Persuade and Refer.
To attend this training participants must be 18 years of age or older.
In this 1.5-hour QPR training, we will provide:
– Information on the unique challenges farmers face that can lead to stress, depression, and suicide.
– Examples implementing each QPR component with someone at risk for suicide.
– Information on how to help someone at risk of suicide.
Registration spots are limited, so please only register if you can attend the event. No recording of this training will be available. Interested in hosting a QPR training session for your organization? Contact Olivia Bury (obury@agrisafe.org) for more information!
This training has already happened, see a list of our upcoming QPR training dates here!

Webinar: Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive
2022-07-01 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, more than half of all human pathogens are zoonotic and have represented nearly all emerging pathogens during the past decade. Farmers and farmworkers 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 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.
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.
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Agricultural Safety and Health Course for Medical and Safety Professionals
2022-07-12 - 2022-07-15
The Agricultural Health and Safety Course for Medical and Safety Professionals is designed to examine key health and safety issues specific to rural and agricultural workers. Experts will present course material relevant to those working in health care, public health, education, and safety professions.
Course Dates

Session A: Agricultural Health — July 12-13, 2022
Session B: Agricultural Safety and Prevention — July 14-15, 2022
Session C: Special Topics — Online modules available July 12 – Aug. 12, 2022

How to Participate in this Course

This course is offered free of charge. However, registration for each session is required. Instructions to access the course will be sent via your registration confirmation email. IMPORTANT: You will also be required to pre-register in Zoom.
Sessions A and B will be delivered live via Zoom. Session C will consist of online modules that you may complete at your own pace.
If you are taking this course as part of a requirement or certificate program with the UNMC College of Public Health, please note that you must register with the College to receive your course credit.
To receive continuing education credits, you must complete all session/course requirements by Aug. 12, 2022.

Target Audience
This course is intended for professionals who work with or have an interest in agricultural health and safety including physicians, nurses, emergency medical responders, physician assistants, health educators, advanced practice nurses, ag extension, migrant health clinicians, physical therapists, insurance specialists, veterinarians, safety professionals, and students.

Course Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the participant should be better able to:

Evaluate the core elements of agricultural medicine.
Integrate the anticipation, recognition, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of occupational and environmental illnesses and injuries within rural and agricultural communities.
Qualify to become an AgriSafe Provider in order to develop sustainable agricultural occupational health and safety delivery programs within their region.

To receive continuing education credit, you must:
Sessions A and B:

Attend selected session via Zoom in its entirety and view all online supplement modules.
Successfully complete the online post-test for each selected session — open-book, 70% accuracy.
Complete the evaluation survey for the selected session.

The deadline to complete the course requirements including post-tests and evaluations is Aug. 12, 2022.
Session C:

View all four online presentations in their entirety.
Successfully complete the online post-test — open-book, 70% accuracy.
Complete the evaluation survey.

The deadline to complete this session is Aug. 12, 2022.

Continuing Education Credits
In support of improving patient care, University of Nebraska Medical Center is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.
This course is approved for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™, ANCC credits, and Emergency Medical Services Continuing Education.
Register Here
Questions?

If you have questions about the content of this course, please contact Ellen Duysen, MPH, COHC via email or call at 402-552-3394.
If you need assistance with online registration, please call our Registration Office at 402-559-5929.
For all other questions, please contact Jackie Farley via email.
