New website supports safety for farmers

AgriSafe has launched a new website that integrates its learning management system that includes fact sheets, webinars and safety information for health professionals with health topics for farmers and ranchers.

An important new feature of the website is specifically targeted to agricultural producers: “Health Topics.” Farmers and ranchers are constantly navigating a variety of occupational risks, and this new topic page is their home base for trusted and reliable information on health and safety issues. “Finding trusted health information can be difficult, especially when you need information specifically for the occupational hazards associated with farming,” says Sarah Dauterive, web technologies librarian for AgriSafe. “This new space serves as a hub for the people working in agriculture to find specific information to their needs, both from AgriSafe and our trusted partners.”

Additionally, the website includes a “Learning Opportunities” section which features content produced by AgriSafe for health and safety professionals, and rural healthcare providers. This work is largely credited to the Network of the National Library of Medicine’s Region 3 Medical Library, which funded the investment and integration of agriculture and safety resources. This is important because farmers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.  According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Recent statistics state that every day about 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury. Approximately 2 million full-time workers were employed in production agriculture in the United States in 2018.

“If you’re looking for health and safety information for farmers and ranchers or the health professionals who care for them, AgriSafe’s new website is the place to visit online. Our resources and training calendar are up to date, if you can’t find something; we can also assist you,” says Dauterive. Additional features will launch in early fall; AgriSafe is exploring options to offer an enhanced membership platform for our paid members, which will include membership forums and access to special content.

AgriSafe is an international 501©3 organization representing health and safety professionals who strive to reduce health disparities found among the agricultural community.