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NCSU Department of Biological and Agriclutural Engineering North Carolina Cooperative Extension

Farm Safety

Photo: Grant Ellington

Dr. Grant Ellington
Extension Assistant Professor
Biological & Agricultural Engineering
Voice: (919) 515-6793
Fax: (919) 515-6772
E-mail: ghelling@ncsu.edu

NC Department of Labor Publications

Agricultural Safety for Farmers and Workers

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.

Photo of a farm workerWith the influx of new people to the state, advanced technology in agricultural machinery, and the 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 consistently ranks among the ten most hazardous occupations.

Agricultural Health

Farm Safety Resources

  • North Carolina Farm Workers Institute
    http://www.ncfarmworkers.org/
  • The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety
    www.necasag.org/
  • National Ag Safety Database Federal Laws and Regulations
    http://nasdonline.org/document/1842/d001777/federal-laws-and-regulations-affecting-farm-safety.html
  • National Ag Safety Database
    http://nasdonline.org/
  • National Institute for Farm Safety
  • http://nifsagsafety.org/resources/
  • National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
    www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/agriculture/
  • National Safety Council
    www.nsc.org - nsc library----Safety & Health fact sheets ---Agricultural Safety
  • National Tractor Safety Initiative
    http://depts.washington.edu/trsafety/
  • OSHA Agricultural Operations Standards
    www.osha.gov/SLTC/agriculturaloperations/standards.html Tractor test reportshttp://www.oecd.org/document/10/0,3343,en_2649_33905_34735882_1_1_1_1,00.html
  • Youth in Agriculture Safety
    www.osha.gov/SLTC/youth/agriculture/
  • OSHA Tables Ag Safety list
    www.osha.gov/SLTC/agriculturaloperations/tables.html
  • Outdoor Power Equipment Safety Tips
    www.opei.org/safemowing/
  • FARMEDIC
    www.farmedic.com/
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention
    www.cdc.gov/
  • Crop Life America Worker Protection
  • http://www.croplifeamerica.org/pesticide-issues/worker-protection
  • USDA Farm Safety
    http://www.csrees.usda.gov/farmsafety.cfm
  • Pesticide worker protection
    www.epa.gov/oppfead1/Publications/catalog/subpage7.htm
  • U.S. Department of Labor Migrant Agricultural Worker Protection
    www.dol.gov/compliance/laws/comp-msawpa.htm
  • Agricultural Safety Awareness Program
    www.agsafetynow.com/
  • NASD National Ag Safety Database
    http://nasdonline.org/static_content/documents/1688/d001579.pdf
  • Progressive Ag Safety Foundation-Safety Day Programs
  • http://www.progressiveag.org/
  • Safe operation of farm machinery
    http://nasdonline.org/browse/209/machinery-and-vehicle-safety.html
  • Canada Farm and Ranch Safety Resources
    http://www.farsha.bc.ca/resources.php
  • United Kingdom Farmwise Booklet
    http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg427.pdf