
| Title | Summary | Date | ID | Author(s) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis and Farming | PDF (5MB) |
Approximately 45 million, or 15 percent, of Americans suffer from arthritis. This chronic disease is more prevalent among farmers. A recent survey of Virginia farmers revealed that about 30 percent of the respondents have been diagnosed with arthritis. Among those affected, about half of them reported that the condition interferes with their daily activities even though only 42 percent of them are currently receiving treatment (Mariger et al. 2007). Since it causes pain and inflammation in joints and limits mobility, arthritis has the potential to prematurely disable farmers and farm workers if they do not take proper care. This publication was developed primarily to familiarize farmers, ranchers, and farm workers with arthritis by providing general information about the disease. It provides information on the types of arthritis, symptoms, treatments, and steps that can be taken to avoid permanent damage to joints so individuals can continue farming activities without pain. It also provides sources for additional arthritis related information and types of assistance. The information presented here should not be used as a substitute for the advice and guidance that can be obtained from a physician. On the other hand, this information can be useful in giving you the background to have an intelligent discussion with your doctor about arthritis and a treatment plan. Considering that early diagnosis is extremely important in treating arthritis and minimizing its severity, individuals experiencing joint pain should consult with their family physician without delay. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-083 | |
| Barn and Farm Inspection Checklist | PDF (142KB) |
The Barn and Farm Inspection Checklist is a tool that helps farm owners realize how susceptible their farm is to a barn fire. Circle the answer that represents the situation on your farm. The higher your score, the higher your chance to being susceptible to a fire. |
Aug 28, 2009 |
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| Farmer's Lung: Causes and Symptoms of Mold and Dust Induced Respiratory Illness | PDF (388KB) |
Farmers account for more than 30 percent of adults disabled by respiratory illness. Yet, a large percentage of farmers are nonsmokers. If smoking is not to blame for these ailments, then what is? The answer is farmer's lung. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-602 | |
| Hay Fire Prevention and Control | PDF (468KB) |
Fires that damage or destroy hay and barns cost farmers thousands of dollars in building and feed replacement costs and in lost revenues. Many of these fires are caused by the spontaneous combustion of hay that usually occurs within six weeks after baling. This publication discusses the cause and prevention of hay fires and provides guidelines to follow when a hay fire is detected. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-105 | |
| Horse Emergency Go Kit | PDF (101KB) | Aug 27, 2009 | |||
| Large Round Bale Safety | PDF (1MB) |
This Extension publication covers the safety aspects of equipment used in large round bale packages such as: balers, front-end loaders, bale handling and transport devices. The key to safe and efficient systems for handling large round bales is an operator who knows the hazards involved and who follows safety practices that can prevent accidents. Operators must be constantly alert for situations that may cause injuries to themselves or others. Besides pain and suffering, accidents contribute to higher costs in terms of unnecessary downtime or costly machine repairs. Alertness and safety consciousness can result in more efficient and profitable baling and handling. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-455 | |
| Machinery Safety on the Farm | PDF (513KB) |
Machines; no farm or ranch can function without them. They save valuable time and are essential to agricultural productivity. They also represent an ever-present danger to the people who operate them. There are a host of hazards that makes agricultural machinery the leading cause of injury and death on American farms and ranches. This fact sheet summarizes the hazards associated with operating farm machines and presents information about how farmers and farm workers can protect themselves from injury or death when working around agricultural machinery. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-092 | |
| On Farm Mortality Disposal Options for Livestock Producers | PDF (1MB) | Sep 16, 2009 | 2909-1412 | ||
| Pest Management Guide: Field Crops, 2009 | May 1, 2009 | 456-016 |
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| Pre-Response Plan | PDF (136KB) | Aug 27, 2009 | 2908-1406 | ||
| Preventing Secondary Injuries in Agricultural Workplaces | PDF (3MB) | Nov 2, 2009 | 442-085 | ||
| Respiratory Protection in Agriculture | PDF (1MB) |
Farm workers can encounter a variety of respiratory problems ranging from temporary discomfort caused by allergic reactions to fatal asphyxiation. However, the risk of contracting serious lung diseases or death can be significantly decreased by using respiratory protection (Figure 1). See the sidebar for a list of farm work that requires respiratory protection. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-601 | |
| Safe Operation of Compact Tractors | PDF (661KB) |
Follow these safety tips and maintenance procedures for checking, servicing, and operating compact tractors to extend their life and reduce breakdowns and accidents. Lawn and turf maintenance is easier because of modern compact tractors, but carelessness can cause trouble. Most tractors used for grounds care can be classified into three size groups: 1) riding lawn mowers (3 to 8 horsepower), which are fitted with a mower; these usually have no attachments, 2) lawn and garden or compact tractors (7 to 40 horsepower) to which a variety of tools and equipment can be mounted, and 3) large tractors (40 to 80 horsepower), which have a low center of gravity for working slopes and can be equipped with a variety of attachments.Regardless of size, all power units are potentially hazardous if improperly maintained or operated. Observing all safety precautions before, during, and after tractor operation is essential to operator safety. |
May 1, 2009 | 442-093 | |
| Skidder Safety and Efficiency: A Discussion Leader's Guide | PDF (4MB) |
This handbook is designed to accompany the Skidder Safety and Efficiency training DVD available from Virginia Cooperative Extension www.ext.vt.edu, Forest Resources Association www. forestresources.org, and the Virginia SHARP Logger Program www.sharplogger.vt.edu. The following pages contain a transcription of the video narrative, along with suggestions for discussion topics. |
May 26, 2009 |