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Issue #2 - October
1999

Articles:

Seasonal feature

Research review

Learning about resources

News from the FH&S Program

National news

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Article Highlights

nagcat2.jpg (79269 bytes)How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Operate a Tractor Safely?
Seasonal feature

The best estimate available suggests that about 100-110 children die each year as a result of injury on U.S. farms. Over 22,000 are seriously injured.  Many people feel that these events result from kids doing dangerous work before they are  ready. Find out what age is considered appropriate for allowing children to perform basic tractor-related jobs.

Many Farming Injuries are Not Dramatic and Don't Get the Attention They Deserve!
Research review

Nearly everyone can remember the traumatic double amputation of John Thompson in 1992.  But, few people realize that for every dramatic injury incident on U.S. farms, there are hundreds of seemingly mundane injuries that cost farmers and their families millions of dollars.  Inside, you'll find summaries of several research articles that suggest that injuries like needlesticks, sprains, and eye injuries and are just as important as tractor rollovers and PTO entanglements.

So You Want to do Something Locally to Promote Farm Health and Safety?
Learning about resources


Many of the phone calls we receive each week come from community volunteers and rural leaders wanting to do something in their area to improve the health and safety of farm families.  This "Frequently Asked Questions" segments creates a knowledge roadmap to help jumpstart your efforts.

Safety Issues Compounded Because of Huge Stocks of Stored Grain in the Midwest
News from the FH&S Program


Reports released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in late September show that stocks of corn stored on farms in bins are at a 10-year high, with soybean bushels up 74% nationally from a year ago.  With a near-record harvest predicted in many areas of the country, this glut of grain on farms is likely to increase the potential for suffocations to occur as bins are being emptied.  Find out how to prevent these incidents.

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology -- Important Agricultural Health and Safety Issues
National news


You've probably read about or have some knowledge of new products like "Bt" corn, Roundup Ready soybeans, or Flavr Savr tomatoes.  Find out why genetic engineering and biotechnology have become a powerful force in American agriculture, and learn why people with interests in agricultural safety and health need to pay attention to these trends.

 

Copyright 1999.  Regents of the University of Minnesota.  All rights reserved.   The Farm Safety & Health Digest is provided by the University of Minnesota's Farm Safety and Health Program (FSH).   The FSH program is located in the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Department and is also part of the many educational efforts of the University of Minnesota's Extension Service.   Follow-up questions can be directed by e-mail to John Shutske or Safety .