Webinar: Best Practices in the Detection and Monitoring of Pesticide Exposure
2023-06-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/Chicago)
Summary: Farmers and agricultural workers are routinely exposed to a wide variety of chemicals. Toxicity Category I and II organophosphates (OPs) and N-methyl carbamates are cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides commonly used in agriculture to kill insects or prevent them from damaging or destroying crops. Over-exposure to these chemicals results in the inhibition of the enzyme cholinesterase (ChE) which is utilized in the body’s conducting tissue, such as nerve and muscle motor sensory fibers. Acute toxic effects can include confusion, headache, and even loss of consciousness. Severe inhibition of ChE in the body can result in muscle paralysis, respiratory failure, seizures, coma, and death. Currently, there is no practice standard or national medical surveillance program for cholinesterase monitoring.
Purpose: This webinar will review cholinesterase testing and monitoring protocols based on programs from both California and Washington. Presenters will discuss ChE and its function in the body, routes of exposure, who is at risk, signs and symptoms, treatments, and prevention of exposure. Most importantly, presenters will share an established and recently updated protocol algorithm to guide your medical monitoring program. This protocol is designed to create awareness among your workers, set standards based on acceptable safe practices, and reduce incidents in the workplace.
Outcomes: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to …

Self-report an increased understanding of the health risks of cholinesterase (ChE)-inhibiting pesticide exposure and need for regular monitoring.
Self-report an increased understanding of the use of a protocol and the ChE monitoring algorithm

Intended Audience: Occupational safety managers, emergency service providers, doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and educators whose practice will be enhanced with the most current information on cholinesterase exposure and management
Continuing Medical Education: This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) through the joint providership of the Minnesota Medical Association and AgriSafe Network. The Minnesota Medical Association (MMA) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
The Minnesota Medical Association designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
Nursing Continuing Professional Development: This nursing continuing professional development activity was approved by VTL Center for Professional Development, an accredited approver by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Chainsaw Safety Training
2023-06-21 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 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.

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2023-06-21 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-07-12 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 Tara Haskins (thaskins@agrisafe.org) for more information!
This training event has already occurred.
Upcoming Training Dates

Webinar: How Farm Rescue Helps Farmers Through a Crisis
2023-06-22 12:00 - 12:30
Summary: Farm Rescue’s mission is to help farmers and ranchers who have experienced a major illness, injury, or natural disaster by providing the necessary equipment and volunteer workforce to plant, hay or harvest their crop. Come explore why Farm Rescue was founded and how the organization has grown through time.
Intended Audience: Anyone who works with or knows a farmer suffering a major illness, injury, or natural disaster whom Farm Rescue can help provide machinery and labor to get their field work done.
Objectives: During this webinar, participants will…

Learn about Farm Rescue operations and how farm families can apply for assistance
Learn how volunteers can apply to operate machinery, and how sponsors can donate to support farm families
Hear stories about how this non-profit is stepping in to support farm families when they need help most

Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Queer Farming: A Lived Experience
2023-06-28 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: The intersection of the identities of “queer” and “farmer” creates a unique set of challenges and inspirations for the people who inhabit it. Hannah will share her personal experience and motivations as a queer farmer and will discuss some of the ways that queer farmers have come together to support and celebrate each other through the Queer Farmer Network.
Intended Audience: anyone who’s interested in understanding issues related to queer farmers.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…
1. Think about the unique experiences of queer farmers.
2. Understand more about diversified, direct-market farms.
3. Engage with the Queer Farmer Network.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Preventing Workplace Violence for Forestry Workers
2023-07-06 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-10-11 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 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: Animal Depopulation Resiliency Check-in Tool
2023-07-13 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Animal depopulation is associated with distressing psychological impacts on people. These impacts affect many stakeholders including veterinarians, producers, public health officials, and others who make decisions about and carry out depopulation. The Animal Depopulation Resiliency Check-in Tool (ADRCT) is a five-question public health protocol for stakeholders who are preparing for, participating in, and recovering from animal depopulation.
ADRCT questions have been developed in veterinary clinical environments over the last 20 years. Over the last 3 years, through USDA APHIS National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program funding awarded to the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the tool has been reviewed by experts in human traumatology and data collected from depopulation stakeholders. This webinar will review the tool including how to use it and preliminary feedback about the tool gathered thus far.
Intended Audience: Veterinarians, physicians, nurses, Extension staff, agricultural safety, and health professionals, farm managers, farm workers, and anyone else who may be involved with a depopulation event in their community.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Understand the prevalence of trauma-related symptoms after potentially traumatic events
Describe the human stressors of animal depopulation
Know the five questions in the Animal Depopulation Resiliency Check-in Tool
Be able to apply the Animal Depopulation Resiliency Check-in Tool safely
Understand the resiliency flexibility sequence

Watch the Recording Here

UMASH: Agricultural Health and Safety Course for Medical and Safety Professionals
2023-07-18 - 2023-08-11
This course 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. You may choose to participate in any or all of the three sessions. The in-person sessions will be held in Room 3013 of the Harold M. and Beverly Maurer Center for Public Health. The live stream sessions will be delivered via Zoom. The links to the online modules will be sent via email.
Course Dates:

July 18-19- Session A: Agricultural Health (In-Person/Live Stream)
July 20-21- Session B: Agricultural Safety and Prevention (In-Person/Live Stream)
July 18- August 11- Session C: Special Topics (Online Modules)

Course Objectives:
At the conclusion of this activity, 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.

As a way of saying thank you to rural and urban health care providers, emergency services personnel, and those who provide other essential services to our communities, this course is offered free of charge. However, registration is required. The textbook is available for purchase at $90 (optional). The deadline to register is July 11, 2023.

Register Here

Webinar: Talking About Ticks- Lyme Disease
2023-08-08 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 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: AgriSafe’s FarmResponse: Looking Back at the First Year
2023-08-24 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Launched in February 2022, AgriSafe’s FarmResponse is an on-demand interactive course through AgriSafe’s Learning Lab. The FarmResponse course addresses farm and ranching cultural competencies for healthcare providers and specialists by exploring the effects of financial stress, land ownership and legacy issues, substance use, suicide, and the work of agriculture on mental wellbeing. The curriculum is based on the Total Farmer Health model as it relates to factors for mental health in agriculture. The goal is to train those who serve in agricultural communities to understand the impact of farming culture on farmer mental health and health-seeking behaviors. This session will present the first year evaluation data of over 500 FarmResponse learners. Come and learn more about this exciting professional development resource. AgriSafe’s FarmResponse program lead will be there to answer your questions about bringing FarmResponse to your healthcare providers.
Intended Audience: Governmental departments, Farm stress initiatives and organizations, healthcare professionals, academia
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Describe the FarmResponse training.
Explain the benefits of FarmResponse training.
Discuss the findings of the FarmResponse evaluation data.
Discuss program offerings and future initiatives from FarmResponse.

Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive
2023-08-30 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

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2023-09-06 11:00 - 12:30, 2023-10-10 13:00 - 14:30
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 Tara Haskins (thaskins@agrisafe.org) for more information!
Upcoming Training Dates

NFSHW23: ATV Safety
2023-09-18 11:00 - 12:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are one of the most common and dangerous pieces of equipment on today’s farm. An average of 500 persons die and another 100,000 are seriously injured each year while operating ATVs. Nearly 60% of the fatalities occur in agriculture. This course teaches how to recognize, evaluate, and control common hazards when operating an ATV on the farm.
Intended Audience: Individuals operating ATVs
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Understand the hazards associated with the use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs)
Evaluate your risk when using ATVs in farming activity
Control your risk by following safe practices for operating an ATV
Use appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when operating an ATV

Presenter: Curt Porterfield, Health and Safety Training Coordinator, Virginia Tech
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Chainsaw Safety Training
2023-09-18 13:00 - 14:00 | NFSHW2024
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.

Presenter: Dan Neenan, MBA, Paramedic, Director, National Education Center for Agricultural Safety
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.

NFSHW23: Preventing the Spread of Infectious Disease on Farms, Ranches and Ag Workplaces
2023-09-19 11:00 - 12:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: Farmers, ranchers, and ag operators were deemed ‘essential’ during the COVID19 pandemic. Learning how to protect employees, families, clients, and the community evolved throughout the pandemic and uncertainty was often difficult to navigate. During this webinar, we hope to bring forward some of the lessons learned during the pandemic and help share strategies for responding to infectious disease outbreaks in the future.
Intended Audience: Farmers, ranchers, ag employers, ag operators, ag safety and health professionals, rural healthcare providers, veterinarians, ag community members
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Review prevention strategies for interrupting infectious disease transmission.
Identify common sources of disease transmission in agricultural settings.
Describe appropriate personal protective equipment for ag settings.
Locate resources for accurate and timely information for future infectious disease outbreaks

Presenter: Carrie Klumb, MPH, Senior Epidemiologist, Minnesota Department of Health
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Emerging, Re-emerging and Long-standing Infectious Disease in Agricultural Workers and Cost-Effective Measures for Prevention
2023-09-19 13:00 - 14:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: Agricultural workers are exposed to infectious agents that can lead to illness, lost time away from work, and other economic stress. A long-term illness may also negatively affect the workers’ family and their employer. In this fast-paced session, learn about emerging, reemerging, and long-standing infectious disease health risks. From Aspergillus to zoonotic diseases, you will learn to recognize specific disease agents and hazards and implement easy, cost-effective ways to reduce and prevent exposure and transmission in the agricultural workplace.
Intended Audience: Agricultural safety and health professionals, agribusiness managers and owners, and others who want to learn about reducing the risk of infectious disease in the agricultural workplace
Objectives: At the end of this webinar participants will be able to…

Define emerging, reemerging, and long-standing infectious diseases that threaten the health of agricultural workers.
Identify causes of infectious disease in agricultural workplaces.
Understand how infectious agents are transmitted in agriculture.
Discuss simple, low-cost solutions that can be implemented into risk management plans.

Presenter: Ellen Duysen, MPH, COHC
Research Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Cardiovascular Health in Farm Workers with a Concentration on Females
2023-09-20 11:00 - 12:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: More than 100 million US adults have high blood pressure, often called the “silent killer.” Half of those individuals affected do not know that they have it. Men and Women of all ages are affected, and it can cause serious heart problems. In women, the number one cause of death in the US is heart disease, and it is preventable. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart disease. Living in a rural location means farm women are experiencing health disparities when compared with the population as a whole. According to AgriSafe’s Knesha Rose-Davison, women who live in rural health areas have poorer health outcomes and have less access to care than urban women. Women in rural areas are also at a higher risk of death from ischemic heart disease than those in urban areas. Learning to recognize the risk factors of high blood pressure and heart disease and practice preventative measures to curb heart disease in farm women and men is vital in addressing this silent killer.
Intended Audience: Agricultural safety and health professionals, extension staff, agricultural workers, healthcare professionals, agriculture businesses, and anyone who would like to learn more about preventing heart disease in agricultural workers
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

List the risk factors for cardiovascular disease
Recognize the similarities and differences between men and women with Cardiovascular (CV) disease
Name three preventive measures to address the risk factors for CV Disease

Presenter: Michelle Seekford, DNP, MPH, FNP, COHN-S, CCM
Business Owner and Nurse Practitioner, Valley Urgent Care & Occupational Medicine LLC
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Strategies to Increase Access to Mental Health Services in Farm Worker Communities in Post-COVID Era
2023-09-20 13:00 - 14:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: Farm workers experience high rates of mental health and substance use problems due to numerous risk factors. Barriers for mental health services prevent most farm workers from accessing culturally appropriate care. COVID highlighted the increased need for mental health support and services in farm worker populations. Farm Workers experienced additional stress and did not receive any additional support. AgrAbility project which focuses on providing support and advocacy for agricultural workers and farmers with disabilities began exploring how to increase access to mental health care for farm workers. This webinar will highlight the impact of mental health on farm workers and explore lessons learned, community response, and resources developed.
Intended Audience: Agricultural health and safety researchers, extension staff, healthcare professionals, and agricultural producers
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Increase understanding about mental health and stress issues in farm worker populations and the impact of COVID
Increase skills for engaging farm workers in dialogue about mental health and stress
Increase understanding of alternative ideas to bringing mental health support to farm worker populations

Presenter: Kimber J. Nicoletti-Martinez, LCSW
National AgrAbility Project Latino Farm Worker Outreach Coordinator/Purdue University
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Confined Spaces on Dairy Farms
2023-09-21 11:00 - 12:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: Confined spaces such as tanks and storage bins are recognized workplace hazards on agricultural production settings. Manure storage facilities are often not recognized as confined spaces, especially on dairy farms. These facilities meet the definition of a confined space as they can expose workers to toxic gases and other hazards. The purpose of this webinar is to present how manure storage facilities meet the definition of confined spaces, and the potential hazards associated with these facilities.
Intended Audience: Agricultural health and safety researchers, extension staff, healthcare professionals, and agricultural producers
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Understand the definition of a confined space
Understand how manure storage facilities meet the criteria for confined space
Understand how dairy farm manure storage facilities have contributed to worker fatalities
Understand management practices for confined spaces on dairy farms

Presenter: David Douphrate, PhD, MPT, MBA, CPE, CSP
Associate Professor, Environmental and Occupational Health, Texas A&M University School of Public Health
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Saving Lives in Grain: Research and Strategies for Grain Entrapment Prevention and Response
2023-09-21 13:00 - 14:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: In this informative presentation, we will explore the world of grain safety, shedding light on various types of incidents and the alarming statistics surrounding them. We will delve into the immense pressure exerted by grain, a contributing factor to the severity of injuries and tragic fatalities. Moreover, we will examine the distinction between youth and adult entrapments, analyzing potential risk factors and implications for prevention strategies. Throughout the session, we will uncover effective strategies designed to eliminate the need for entering grain bins, reducing the likelihood of entrapments. Finally, we will discuss methods for removing grain in case of an out-of-condition grain scenario, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of how to mitigate these life-threatening situations. Join us as we unravel the complexities of grain entrapments and empower our audience with valuable knowledge and practical solutions.
Intended Audience: Extension, FFA, and any other individuals who interact with farmers with grain bins.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Understand the different types of grain entrapments and their prevalence, as well as the statistical data associated with these incidents.
Recognize the significant pressure exerted by grain and its implications for injuries and fatalities, highlighting the need for caution and preventive measures.
Differentiate between youth and adult entrapments, identifying unique risk factors and tailoring strategies accordingly to enhance safety for both age groups.
Explore effective strategies to minimize the necessity of entering grain bins, focusing on proactive measures to prevent entrapments and related accidents.

Presenter: Salah Issa, PhD, MSE
Assistant Professor, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Conversations on Access to Lethal Means (CALM) Training
2023-09-22 11:00 - 12:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: CALM (Conversations on Access to Lethal Means) is a suicide prevention training that encourages safe storage of lethal means (firearms and medications) during a suicidal crisis. By temporarily putting time and distance between a suicidal person and highly lethal means, a life may be saved. CALM: Counseling on Access to Lethal Means was originally created as a workshop designed for mental health professionals.
Conversations on Access to Lethal Means was developed for communities because everyone can benefit from this training . This training is not anti-gun or anti-drug and is designed to be a specific effective part of suicide prevention.
Intended Audience: All communities of interest in suicide prevention
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Increase their knowledge about suicide facts
Learn how to inquire about the accessibility of lethal means
Learn how to suggest safe storage
Appraise results of lethal means reduction in countries outside the U.S.
Practice their new skills through group discussion

Presenter: Tara Haskins, DNP, MSN, RN, AHN-BC, Certified CALM Trainer
Total Farmer Health Director, AgriSafe Network
Watch the Recording Here

NFSHW23: Protecting Your Brain from Stress
2023-09-22 13:00 - 14:00 | NFSHW2024
Summary: It’s no surprise that farmers’ behavioral health is positively correlated with crop production and healthy animals. But what happens when markets swing, there’s a drought, feed prices go sky-high, and you can’t find good employees?
Stress. It’s the body’s reaction to any change that requires an adjustment or response. Stress creates chemical reactions in our bodies, and cortisol is released, our blood thickens, our blood pressure increases, and more. Chronic stress can lead to your brain shrinking from the constant flow of cortisol. This clearly illustrates why we need to find ways to release cortisol to protect our brain. Science shows that ongoing stress can negatively impact: your brain size and how it functions, the way your children and grandchildren are genetically equipped to handle stressors, and your susceptibility to depression or Alzheimer’s. The solutions are not complicated but are often overlooked. Michele helps you understand tools like rest, exercise, nutrition, and the value of including stress management as a part of their business.
Intended Audience: Farmers, agribusiness, ranchers, farm/ranch families, and agricultural organizations
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be …

Empowered to assess their chronic stress risks.
Equipped with practical ideas from those in agriculture with lived experience.
Provided with SMART approach to proactively plan for stress.
Inspired to understand why agriculture must include a stress management plan in best business practices.

Presenter: Michele Payn, Certified Speaking Professional & Author, Cause Matters Corp.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Stress Control Strategies for the Forestry and Timber Workforce
2023-09-27 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 workers to 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 it will 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 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: Musculoskeletal & Ergonomic Safety for Forest Workers
2023-10-04 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: The Healing Capacity of Honey Bees: Veterans Using Beekeeping as a Modality to Achieve Positive Mental Health Outcomes
2023-10-18 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Veterans deal with a whole host of disabilities, traumas, and transitional issues following military service. Agriculture can serve as a solution to many veteran issues through professional training to support career goals and therapeutic activities to support overall wellness of the veteran and their families. Crosscutting programs like Heroes to Hives seek to address these multifaceted needs through professional training in beekeeping and transpersonal wellness practices within the course that seek to utilize bees and the interaction with them as modalities for positive health outcomes. In this session, we will discuss how Heroes to Hives delivers wellness opportunities and practices to their students.
Intended Audience: Health Care Providers, Ag Educators, and Veteran Service Providers
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Participants will learn about the Heroes to Hives program’s integrative training program.
Participants will understand the value of integrating transpersonal practices into agricultural settings for wellness.
Participants will learn how collaboration with the VA can lead to new wellness opportunities for veterans using VA care.
Participants will learn about the USDA Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program’s Professional Development grant opportunity.

Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: A Review of the Literature for Forestry Health and Safety: The Last Ten Years
2023-10-26 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Foresters and loggers work in the most hazardous industries with high job-related injury, illness, and fatality rates. This workforce faces unique environmental exposures, ergonomic challenges, and health disparities across all ages. The last comprehensive literature review in forestry health and safety for NIOSH was completed in 2012. Under a NIOSH IPA project, AgriSafe conducted a forestry health and safety literature review for publications from 2012 to 2022.
The objectives of this review were:

Uncover the health and safety issues currently facing the forestry and logging workforce.
Identify any new trends or topics in the literature.
Identify areas of training and health needs.
Identify healthcare access issues impacting the forestry workforce.

Final results of this project will be shared with the audience. Findings in this project will contribute to NIOSH’s priorities for forestry occupational health and safety and the literature. The literature review will inform and prioritize future forestry training needs through AgriSafe’s OSHA forestry training projects.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Summarize the findings of the literature review.
Identify areas of training and health needs in health and safety for forestry workers.

Intended Audience: This course is intended for agricultural safety/forestry professionals working in the industry, extension, academia, or safety centers and workers in forestry and logging, including logging owners and first-line supervisors/managers of forestry workers.
Watch the Recording Here

Webinar: Importance of Foot Health in Agriculture
2023-11-01 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: Dr. Merendino will present the Importance of Foot Health in Agriculture in the first half of the presentation. He will address important practices and provide examples of foot health issues to take action on. Karen will finish with a presentation on her extension fieldwork with the ag/hort growers along with Dr. Merendino including a field day program in Volusia County (commercial fernery), then conclude her results from an Extension Sock Study assaying Merino Wool Socks.
Intended Audience: Agricultural/ Horticultural professionals, medical personnel, and the general public
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Identify Best Management Practices for proper foot health.
Identify common foot conditions that result from poor foot health.
Gain knowledge on grower work boot and sock trait preferences as evidenced by actual trials and surveys

Watch the Recording Here
