Finding Appropriate Teaching Resources
There are a variety of resources available that can enhance the quality of any farm safety workshop. Three common resource formats include (1) printed materials, such as leader's guides, safety brochures, quizzes, coloring books, and safety check lists; (2) audiovisual materials, including videos, slide sets, and overhead transparencies; and in some locations, (3) portable displays and demonstrations. In addition, there are numerous resource people with specialized training that are available in most communities to assist in presenting safety information. This chapter is designed to help you become more familiar with some of the available resources and how to access them.
Rural Health and Safety Resource Directories
Many Extension safety leaders and safety organizations across the country have published resource directories of safety information available in their state. For example, the Indiana Rural Safety and Heath Council regularly publishes a directory listing hundreds of films, videos, publications, and other resources available in Indiana. For more information on obtaining a safety resource directory for your state contact your local office of the Cooperative Extension Service, or the state Extension safety leader at your land grant institution. For a copy of the Indiana Rural Health and Safety Resource Directory, write:
Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council
1146 Agricultural Engineering Building
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1146
Audiovisual Materials
High quality audiovisual materials provide diversity to a farm safety workshop, and can be very effective in vividly reinforcing a particular safety message in a very short amount of time. In the past few years, a large number of excellent videos on various farm safety topics have been produced and are available for purchase or rent. The following sampling of videos are available from the Instructional Media Center at Purdue University (317-494-6742). Similar videos are likely available in most states.
Agricultural Accidents and Rescue Series CA*
Designed for rural first response personnel including fire, rescue, and emergency medical services. Covers technical information on rescue and extraction from various types of agricultural accidents.
(Producer: The Pennsylvania State University)
* Videos are generally classified for age groups according to the following
scale:
E = Elementary J = Junior High S = Senior High C = College A
= Adult
Audiovisual Materials
Agricultural Injuries and Children 38 minutes JSCA
Dr. William E. Field, Purdue University, discusses children and agricultural injuries and the importance of protecting agriculture's greatest resource, our children. Includes ideas for protecting farm children from farm hazards.
(Producer: New York Center for Agricultural Medicine)
Agricultural Tractor Safety 24 minutes JSCA
Explains that tractor accidents are the leading cause of death for farm and ranch workers and that most of these accidents can be prevented. Shows mannequins being crushed and mangled in accidents while making a strong case for rollover protective structures, seat belts, PTO shields, and prohibiting extra riders.
(Producer: Purdue University)
ATV Safety on the Farm 17 minutes JSCA
Offers a concise overview of ATV safety basics for both farm operators and their employees. Although the video focuses on farming activities, the information is beneficial to anyone using ATV's for utility operations. Driving procedures and personal protective equipment are discussed in detail.
(Producer: The Ohio State University)
Dairy Safety, It's No Accident 28 minutes JSCA
This film discusses a variety of safety concerns relating to dairy farming, including animal handling techniques and the hazards of various types of milking parlors. Also the proper handling and storage of dairy chemicals are stressed.
(Producer: California Polytechnic State University)
Driveline Safety...and You 24 minutes JSCA
Farm broadcaster Orion Samuelson discusses accident prevention when using agricultural equipment drivelines. The video also advises the viewer how to use and maintain a driveline properly and points out correct operating procedures.
(Producer: Agricultural Driveline Manufacturers Association)
Farm and Ranch Electrical Safety 19 minutes SCA
The risk of electric shock is an ever-present hazard in modern agriculture. Radio personality Wey Simpson explains how to properly handle irrigation equipment, how to safely wire and ground electrical systems, and what to do when the worst happens.
(Producer: University of Idaho)
Audiovisual Materials
Farm and Ranch Equipment Safety 19 minutes JSCA
Farm broadcaster Bob Tallman narrates the program and discusses many important safety considerations for farm and ranch equipment. Emergency medical personnel discuss accident situations they have experienced involving equipment, and they offer advice on accident prevention.
(Producer: University of Idaho)
Farm Chemical Safety Is in Your Hands 12.3 minutes SCA
The importance of proper chemical mixing and handling are stressed. Concepts such as toxicity and risk are discussed in detail. Proper personal protective equipment for chemical handling, including gloves, goggles, and more, are described.
(Producer: National Agricultural Chemical Association)
Farm Safety, A Second Chance 14.3 minutes SCA
Three families who have been involved in serious farm accidents describe the devastating effects of farm injuries. The speakers highlight the importance of safety consciousness for both children and adults on the farm. The film focuses on attitudes and awareness of farm safety in general, rather than targeting a specific type of accident.
(Producer: Ontario Department of Agriculture)
For the Rest of Your Life 16 minutes SCA
Instructs on the precautions to be used when handling anhydrous ammonia as a fertilizer. Reports on the agricultural uses of anhydrous ammonia, why it can be dangerous, what accidents can happen, and how to prevent eye injuries or permanent eye damage when using anhydrous ammonia.
(Producer: Iowa State University)
John Deere Consolidated Safety Video 87 minutes SCA
Contains eleven segments on such farm safety topics as safety attitudes, bypass starting, safety and labels, lawn mowers, combines, tractors, and others.
(Producer: Deere & Company)
Kids Talk Farm Safety Stuff 7 minutes EJ
This short film has a group of young farm children describing various hazards on the farm. Animals, farm machinery, ponds, and other potential hazards are described by the kids. This film is an excellent way of introducing farm safety concepts to children.
(Producer: Farm Safety 4 Just Kids)
Audiovisual Materials
Plan to Get Out Alive - Family Fire Safety Video 45 minutes JSCA
Developed and narrated by Dr. Frank Field, this tape provides important steps to prevent and survive fires. The film uses real-life footage and concise instructions for fire safety, and is excellent for schools, church groups, 4-H clubs, and others interested in protecting themselves from fire dangers.
(Producer: WCBS News, New York)
Playing it Safe with Agricultural Pesticides 15 minutes SCA
Addresses the importance of reading, understanding, and practicing directions specified on chemical product labels. Provides practical safety precautions for protecting both the environment and those handling and applying pesticides. An explanation of the various agrochemical label classifications is also included. A lesson plan accompanies the video.
(Producer: Highest Profit Corporation)
Sawdust 18 minutes EJA
Covers a wide variety of hazards encountered by youngsters in both town and country. Topics covered include highway and playground safety, as well as farm hazards such as tractors and flowing grain.
(Producer: Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council)
Tractor Accidents - It's Not Gonna Happen to Me 24 minutes SCA
Deals exclusively and thoroughly with tractor safety with respect to four areas: pre-operation safety, tractor transportation safety, operation safety, and emergency response procedures. Provides in-depth information about roll-overs. Comes with video teaching guide and student activities.
(Producer: California Polytechnic State University)
Tractor Safety is No Accident 17 minutes JSCA
Covers a broad range of subjects including inspecting the machine before operation, safe operating procedures, and the importance of shutting down the engine before attempting to make repairs.
(Producer: J.I. Case)
Publications
Publications exist on almost every conceivable topic related to farm safety. Brochures, bulletins, posters, and technical papers are available through your state Extension Service, organizations like the National Safety Council and Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, agricultural equipment manufacturers, agricultural organizations, and federal agencies, including the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. A few phone calls can generate more material than you can efficiently use in one safety workshop. Be careful not to overwhelm participants with printed material. A few key pieces that effectively address your objectives will have more impact than a bushel of unrelated items. Be prepared to pay for multiple copies of most material. In many cases, sponsors may be willing to cover the cost of selected items. You may wish to incorporate the cost of handouts in the registration fee.
Leaders' Materials
Careful Country Teacher's Kit
A comprehensive educational resource designed to help teachers, parents, and others teach injury prevention principles to rural and farm children. The Teacher's Kit is structured around the 24-page Careful Country Farm Safety Coloring and Activity Book, which uses animal characters and "parent alerts" to depict the primary health and safety hazards to farm children. The kit includes lesson plan, fact sheets, camera-ready handouts, and an 18-minute video entitled Sawdust.
Available from:
Indiana Rural Safety and Health Council
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering
Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN 47907
Teaming Up -A Farm Safety Walkabout For Kids
A resource designed for organizing a farm safety "walkabout" for farm families. Includes suggested motivation techniques and activities designed for children.
Available from:
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
PO Box 458
Earlham, IA 50072
Farm and Ranch Safety Management Instructor's Guide
Assists teachers in planning agricultural safety lessons.
Available from:
Local John Deere dealer, or
Hobar Publications
1234 Tillar Lane
St. Paul, MN 55112
Emergency Medical Treatment: Adults & Children (26 pages each)
These publications, produced in cooperation with the National Safety Council, are designed to provide life saving first-aid procedures for a variety of emergency situations. An easy-to-read format makes these manuals excellent references.
Available from:
RPM, Inc.
P.O. Box 616
Oshkosh, WI 54902
Farm Accident Rescue (35 pages)
This handbook is used to familiarize emergency and rescue personnel with common farm accident situations and how to deal with them safely. Machinery upsets, grain bin entrapments, equipment entanglements, and many other scenarios are discussed. Recommended rescue procedures and necessary equipment are emphasized.
Available from:
Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service
152 Riley-Rubb Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
First on the Scene (46 pages)
This manual provides appropriate first response procedures for the first person on the scene of a farm accident. Designed for the farm family, the manual uses simple flowcharts to direct the actions of the first responder.
Available from:
Northeast Regional Agricultural Engineering Service
152 Riley-Rubb Hall
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
Handouts
Most county Extension offices and land grant institutions have access to safety-related brochures and pamphlets that are suitable as handouts for farm safety workshops.
In Indiana, for example, the following titles are available:
Beware of Flowing Grain Dangers
Beware of Machine Hazards
Beware of On-Farm Manure Storage Hazards
Chain Saw Safety
Dressing Up the Farm Family
Protecting Your Hearing
Safety with Farm Tractors
Using Anhydrous Ammonia Safely
Using Grain Harvesting Equipment Safely
Using Hay and Forage Harvesting Equipment Safely
Sources of Additional Safety Information
The following represent only a sample of the organizations and information sources you may wish to contact while planning your safety workshop.
Child Safety
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
P.O. Box 458
Earlham, IA 50072-0458
Tel. (515) 758-2827
Rural Indiana Safer Kids Project
Purdue University
1146 Agricultural Engineering Bldg.
West Lafayette, IN 47907-1146
Tel. (317) 494-5013
Fax (317) 496-1115
The National SAFE KIDS Campaign
Children's National Medical Center
111 Michigan Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C. 20010-2970
Tel. (202) 884-4993
Children's Safety Network
Rural Injury Prevention Resource Center
National Farm Medicine center
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449
Tel. (715) 389-4999
Fax (715) 389-4950
Electrical Safety
Local utility company
Local rural electric cooperative
Farm and Ranch Safety
National Safety Council, Agricultural Division
1121 Spring Lake Dr.
Itasca, IL 60143-3201
Tel. (708)285-1121
Farm Safety Association, Inc.
340 Woodlawn Rd. West
Guelph, Ontario
Canada
National Institute for Farm Safety, Inc.
2-70 Agriculture Building
Columbia, MO 65211
Fire Prevention
Local fire department
National Fire Protection Association
1 Batterymarch Park
Quincy, MA 02269
General Safety
State affiliate of the National Society to Prevent Blindness
State affiliate of the National Safety Council
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
230 Dearborn Street, Room 2945
Chicago, IL 60604
Tel. (312)353-8260
Rural Health
American Heart Association
American Lung Association
American Red Cross
Arthritis Foundation
State Department of Health
State Food & Drug Administration
State Mental Health Association
State Poison Center
Outdoor Recreation Safety
State Department of Natural Resources
Traffic Safety
State Department of Traffic Safety
State Police
State Sheriff's Association