UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is seeking input from farmers, farm workers, and their families to better understand safety and health challenges in agriculture and identify preferred solutions.
Agriculture is one of the most dangerous and stressful occupations, contributing to higher rates of physical and mental health challenges among agricultural workers compared to other sectors, noted Florence Becot, leader of Penn State’s Agricultural Safety and Health programs.
“Besides impacts on quality of life, these health challenges have direct repercussions on farm operations, including productivity, farm operation development and transition, and farm operation resilience,” Becot said.
Participants can complete a short survey to share their experiences and priorities related to farm safety and health. Recognizing that farmers often feel over-surveyed and have limited time and energy this time of year, Becot said the survey should take less than 10 minutes to complete. The team seeks input from agricultural workers producing any commodities at any scale.
The survey is available at https://extension.psu.edu/farm-safety-health-survey. To receive a paper version of the survey, individuals can call 814-865-1783 or email ffb5072@psu.edu.
As a thank-you, survey respondents can enter for a chance to win a free farm safety item. The raffled items will include a slow-moving vehicle sign, power take-off shield cover, high-visibility children’s t-shirt, lockout/tagout kit and anti-vibration gloves.
