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Farm Safety

Agriculture in North Carolina continues to play a major role in the lives of citizens in both the rural and urban areas. Many residents are still dependent upon the seasonal jobs that are associated with the many varied crops grown and harvested. With the influx of new people into the state, advanced technology in agricultural machinery, and urbanization of rural communities, more people are at risk of injury and/or illnesses. These injuries or illnesses are a result of interaction with machinery, environmental conditions, lack of experience with equipment, operator fatigue, and busy life styles. Agriculture still ranks as one of the top three most hazardous occupations.

The North Carolina Farm Safety program is working with various agencies such as the Emergency Medical Squads, NC Farm Bureaus, Fire Departments, Agricultural Equipment Dealers and others to provide training and educational materials, that will train people involved in various agricultural enterprises with ways to avoid incidents of injury and illnesses. These programs train first responders how to assist in accidents involving machinery and humans, and more importantly, show potential victims how to avoid these accidents. A primary focus on these trainings are to decrease child injuries associated with agricultural machinery and lifestyles.

With the influx of people into the state, education on the proper use of chemicals to avoid excessive runoff into our waterways is being addressed. Many homeowners use excessive amounts of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals to obtain great results in their lawn. The improper use of these chemicals affects not only water quality, but also children, pets and others adults that use these areas. The proper use and selection of chemicals by our publics will greatly reduce the degradation of our water quality and greatly improve the quality of life for all.

Agricultural Health Promotion System

Farm Safety Links/Resources

For more information contact:
Grant Ellington-Extension Associate
NC State University
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Campus  Box 7625
Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-7625
PHONE: (919) 515-6793
FAX: (919) 515-6772
e-mail: Grant Ellington  ghelling@eos.ncsu.edu


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Revised 3-02
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