QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2022-12-14 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Chicago)
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!
AgriSafe would like to thank the Lumberton FFA Chapter from North Carolina for sponsoring this QPR training.
This training event has already occurred.
Upcoming Training Dates

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2023-01-18 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!
This training event has already occurred.
Upcoming Training Dates

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2023-02-16 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-03-16 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-05-25 12:00 - 13:30, 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

The LandLogic Model: Why is the land so important to farmers and how do I incorporate it into my clinical practice?
2023-02-21 12:00 - 13:30
All seats have been filled for this training event. If you would like to be notified when this training is offered again, please email Tara Haskins (thaskins@agrisafe.org).
Summary: Driven by positive feedback from farmers and ranchers, this training discusses cultural adaptations to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy designed for clinical use with members of the agricultural community. Based on the agrarian imperative (Rosmann, 2010), clinical techniques and skills are proposed that intentionally incorporate a client’s attachment to the land in order to improve therapeutic trust, client engagement, and promote positive behavioral health outcomes. Training materials and client worksheets based on the LandLogic Model(TM) will be provided to participants including the FARM Tool and Barbed Wire Thinking.
Objectives: Upon completion of this training, participants should be able to…
– Define key terms such as cultural adaptations of evidence-based practices, agrarian imperative, and ecological validity as they relate to agricultural-based clients.
– Discuss the impact of the agrarian imperative as a cultural consideration when building therapeutic trust in a clinical setting with agricultural-based clients.
– Demonstrate evidence-based clinical skills and techniques that are for use when working with agricultural-based clients utilizing the LandLogic Model.
– Understand how the LandLogic Model could be utilized in a behavioral health integration model.
Intended Audience: healthcare professionals and behavioral health professionals that provide some type of counseling services to farming communities, including faith leaders that provide support through spiritual counseling services
Qualifications: Participants must attend BOTH live training dates (Feb. 21 and Feb 28.) for the entire session to receive continuing education. This class size is limited to 35 participants, so please only register if you plan on attending.

Continuing Education Information:
The Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety offers 0.30 CEU or 3.0 contact hours of participation. This course is eligible for 3.0 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 hxave 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.

This live activity, The LandLogic Model: Why is the land important to farmers & ranchers, and how do I incorporate it into my clinical practice? with a beginning date of 2/21/2023 has been reviewed and is acceptable for up to 3.0 Live credit per session by the American Academy of Family Physicians. Physicians should only claim the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Webinar: Exploring Health and Safety for Black Farmers: Racism, Land Access, Mental Health, and Resources
2023-02-23 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: The number of Black farmers in the United States has declined over the last century. One hundred years ago, farmers identifying as Black or mixed race made up about 14 percent of total ag producers. According to a 2017 United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) census, of the 3.4 million farmers across the country, 1.3%, or only 45,508, identify as Black compared to 95% who identify as Caucasian. This session will address significant challenges of Black, mixed race, and BIPOC ag producers in the United States, programs to address racism and build equity, identify critical concerns in health and safety, including mental health, and share community-based resources for rural residents, growers, farmers, farmworkers, and owner/operators.
Intended Audience: Agricultural farmers, ranchers, supervisors, farmworkers, farmworker organizations, health and safety professionals, trainers, promotores, rural healthcare providers, extension agents, and others who work in agriculture.
Objectives:

Discuss issues of racism and land loss faced by Black and mixed-race producers in the United States.
Identify four emerging health challenges to ag workers in rural/agricultural communities.
Share community-based resources that provide information for rural residents, growers, farmers, farmworkers, and owner/operators.

Watch the Recording Here
Disclaimer: Support of this webinar on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility is due to the generous support of ButcherBox. We want to extend a special thanks to our sponsors and partners, who make our work possible through their dedication and funding.

2023 AgrAbility National Training Workshop
2023-03-19 - 2023-03-23
Save the date for the 2023 NTW!
Join AgrAbility March 19-23, 2023, at The Centennial Hotel in Spokane, Washington.
Learn More

Webinar: A Bird's Eye View of Avian Influenza
2023-03-23 12:00 - 13:00
Summary: In this short webinar, you will learn about the basics of avian influenza, learn about the HPAI outbreak in 2022, how outbreak control works, and what people should do if they suspect a bird is potentially ill with avian influenza.
Intended Audience: Poultry producers, health care providers, veterinarians, Extension and university staff, farmers and growers, and other ag safety and health professionals.
Objectives: At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to…

Describe avian influenza and why we should care
Learn from the 2022 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza outbreak
Understand how HPAI outbreak and control works in the real world
Identify links and resources related to avian influenza

Watch Here

Webinar: Zoonotic Disease and Pregnancy: A Deeper Dive
2023-03-29 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 Here

Webinar: Talking About Ticks- Lyme Disease
2023-04-05 12:00 - 13:00, 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.

QPR for Farmers and Farm Families
2023-04-05 12:00 - 13:30, 2023-09-06 11:00 - 12:30
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

Webinar: Preventing Workplace Violence for Forestry Workers
2023-04-13 12:00 - 13:00, 2023-07-06 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.

National Farmworker Women's Health Week
2023-05-14 - 2023-05-20
During the week of May 14-20, the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs will be hosting the National Farmworker Women’s Health Week (NFWHW) to increase public consciousness and understanding of the health risks farmworker women face. During this week, AFOP will be conducting several activities including a social media campaign.

Webinar: Musculoskeletal & Ergonomic Safety for Forest Workers
2023-05-17 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:

Identify work site hazards and potential resulting musculoskeletal injuries.
Identify three initiatives aimed at reducing risks related to musculoskeletal injuries.
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 OnDemand 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: Best Practices in the Detection and Monitoring of Pesticide Exposure
2023-06-15 12:00 - 13:00
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.

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: 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: 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

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.
