FarmSafe Podcast

In this episode, we wrap up our series on winter hazards and talk about things to include in cold weather safety trainings. Our guest is Dr. Maristela Rovai, a veterinarian, assistant professor, and extension dairy specialist at South Dakota State University. Dr. Rovai develops extension programs and assists dairy producers in training dairy workers. Winter can be challenging for anyone who has to...

We continue our winter series talking about falls on ice, a common wintertime hazard on the farm. In this episode, an Iowa rancher shares a story about falling on ice and hitting her head. She lists the things she always does now to try to prevent it from happening again. We also talk to Kathy Lee, RN, MSN, from the UIHC trauma program about health outcomes associated with falls and strategies for...

We kick off our winter series by talking about cold weather gear. Agricultural workers have to work outside in the winter and here in the Midwest, staying safe and warm in the winter can be challenging. Having the right kind of clothing and accessories for working outside in the winter can help prevent cold temperature-related health problems like frostbite and hypothermia. In this episode, we tal...

"One of the big challenges with farm equipment on the roadway is that they’re large vehicles and they tend to move slowly and that actually makes it more difficult for drivers of other vehicles to see and judge their speed." In this episode, we are going to be talking about lighting and marking to increase visibility of farm vehicles and equipment on roadways. Reflective tape and slow-mo...

“I’m thankful for farmers because of the hard work, dedication, persistence and pride that they take in their work to help feed people in the United States and around the world.” This week we are celebrating farmers and their important work. We asked listeners and folks who work with the center to send in messages of thanks to the farmers who provide us with Thanksgiving staples and healthy and sa...

In this episode, we talk about a common problem for farm workers: occupational exposure to whole body vibration, a primary risk factor for back pain. Drs. Fred Gerr and Nate Fethke talk about what whole-body vibration is and ways to reduce exposure. “The machine is shaking and…your muscles are constantly contracting to provide stabilization for your spine, so you need to give those muscles some ti...

It’s harvest season and during this busy time, farmers and ranchers may not be getting much sleep. In this episode, we talk with Susan Harris who works with Nebraska Extension, and Amanda Prokasky, a researcher from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. They talk with us about the importance of a good night’s sleep, and what to do if that isn’t possible when a farmer is up all night during ca...

In this episode, Carolyn Sheridan and Jenna Gibbs from the Ag Safety and Health Alliance talk about the education they provide on ATV Safety in their Gear Up for Ag Program. Jenna and Carolyn spend time educating students on safety and engineering features of ATVs to help reduce risk of injury. These features include wider frames, crush protection devices, and GPS rollover systems or alarms. “I do...

In this episode, we focus on ATV use on the farm and Dr. Charles Jennissen talks about some of the common injuries from ATV farm incidents and what activities might increase the risk of injury.  “ATVs and side by sides were the most common source of injury and death in agriculture across youth, for those kids 17 years and younger, and was the second most common source of injury and death in agricu...

We continue our conversation with Dr. Charles Jennissen on ATV safety. Adult-sized vehicles are designed for adults, so young riders may be unable to control them. “95% of all deaths of children on ATVs occur on an adult-sized ATV at the time of their crash and death.” Dr. Jennissen also talks about the risk involved with having a passenger on an ATV as most youths ride with or as a passenger, inc...

ATVs are designed for off-road use.  “They’re not really all-terrain…so when they’re on roadways, both paved and unpaved, they can have a very unpredictable relationship with the roadway surface- one tire can grab and all of a sudden- boom, the ATV is rolling over.”  Dr. Charles Jennissen is a pediatrician and emergency medicine physician who has been around ATVs for most of his life.  We talk wit...

Welcome to the FarmSafe podcast.  Farming is a dangerous job and there are a variety of hazards involved.  In this introductory episode, we hear from GPCAH researchers and partners about the work they do to help keep farmers safe and healthy. You will first hear from this season's host, Kate Crawford, PhD. In order of appearance, we talked with Ralph Altmaier, MS, Kayla Faust, PhD, our center...