The Monthly Call Will Feature Farm Safety Speakers Ahead of National Farm Safety Week
With National Farm Safety and Health Week starting on September 22, the Center for Dairy Excellence’s next “All Things Dairy” monthly conference call will focus on farm safety tips and protocols. The call is scheduled for September 17 at 1 p.m. EST and will feature two industry experts and one dairy producer who will share a personal story about a farm accident. The goal of these monthly calls is to provide a platform for organizations and industry partners to share timely updates, resources, programs, and upcoming events relevant to the dairy community.
“It’s all too common to hear about tragic farm accidents like the recent confined space accident at a Colorado dairy farm where six workers lost their lives. With September marking National Preparedness Month, along with National Farm Safety and Health Week, we hope you’ll join us for this timely conference call,” shared Valerie Mason-Faith, Risk Education Manager at the Center. “Our speakers will share real stories, real statistics, and everyday protocols you can implement immediately to keep you and your workforce safe.”
During the September 17th call, listeners will hear:
- Training tips for helping workers respond to workplace emergencies and a review of the dangers of hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Mark Harmon, Compliance Assistance Specialist from the Federal OSHA Erie Area office, will share background on how to prepare for emergencies, disasters, and workplace incidents. He will also review the dangers of H2S, including terms such as PPM (parts per million), odor threshold, IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health), and olfactory fatigue – referencing the confined space accident at a Colorado dairy farm on August 21 where six workers died.
- A personal story and lessons learned from a dairy producer who experienced a farm accident. Brett Reinford of Reinford Farms in Pennsylvania will share his personal story with farm safety. A few years ago, Brett was helping set up drag line equipment when a cap on a hydrant exploded due to pressure that had built up on the line underground. After multiple surgeries on his fingers and knee, Brett plans to share what he learned from the experience and what he wishes he would have known beforehand.
- Services available to support farmers with disabilities through AgrAbility. The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities, so that they, their families, and their communities can continue to succeed in rural America. Linda Fetzer, Extension Program Specialist at Penn State University, will dive into the available services, equipment modifications, and success stories available through AgrAbility.
Individuals who join the conference call will be able to ask real-time questions to each panelist. Learn more about how to join the conference call on September 17:
- Date: Wednesday, September 17 at 1 p.m. EST.
- How to Join:
Dial: +1-309-205-3325
Meeting ID: 879 6440 1466
Passcode: 441824
Click here to join the meeting via Zoom: www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/dairy-call
The Center for Dairy Excellence has also released two new videos in its farm safety video series. The new videos share fire safety tips and tips for working with chemicals and avoiding corrosion accidents. The “Seconds for Your Safety” videos, which are approximately 60 seconds in length, are available to help dairy producers share simple safety reminders with farm employees all year long. The videos are available in both English and Spanish. They can be watched and shared easily on a computer or cell phone.
There are 10 safety videos available in both English and Spanish in the series:
- Tips for Fire Safety
- Tips for Avoiding Corrosion Accidents
- Tips for Avoiding Entanglement Hazards
- Staying Safe Around Animals
- Staying Safe Around Gasses
- Staying Safe Around Electrical Hazards
- Tractor and Truck Rollovers
- Fall Prevention Measures
- Youth on the Farm
- Safety Hazards and Precautions for Horizontal Silos
During National Farm Safety Week this September, consider viewing all the videos in the series with your dairy team and request free safety signs for your farm. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/farm-safety to access these free resources or call 717-346-0849.
To learn more about the “All Things Dairy” call, contact Valerie Mason-Faith at vmason@centerfordairyexcellence.org. Visit www.centerfordairyexcellence.org/newsletter to sign up to receive email updates and get notified of future calls, news and resources.