Farm Safety Services

We provide farm safety services at little or no cost to agricultural operations of all types in New York. Our experienced educators and trainers offer a variety of programs that promote safe and healthy farming by teaching safe work practices to audiences including youth, agribusiness professionals and farm workers. All of our trainings are available in English and in Spanish. Learn more about these different offerings below.

To schedule a training contact us at 800-343-7527 or info@nycamh.org.

 

On-Farm Safety Surveys

On-farm safety surveys review potential hazards around the farmstead and shop as well as with tractors and machinery. Personal protective equipment use is also evaluated. The safety survey is designed for the farm owner or manager but certainly can include others. A checklist is referred to through the survey. Afterward, a copy of the checklist and suggestions for improvements will be provided. Results are for the farm's benefit only. Survey information is kept confidential.

On-Farm Safety Trainings

All on-farm safety trainings are scheduled at a time convenient for the farm. They are offered at no cost and are available in English and Spanish. NYCAMH trainings can help fulfill some USDA, OSHA and GAPS requirements. A copy of the training roster and certificate of completion will be provided as this paperwork can help document training sessions for third-party auditors.

Topics include:

For Orchard and Vegetable Farms

  • Packing House and Product Line Safety
  • Personal Hygiene and Safe Food Handling (GAPS)
  • Heat, Sun & Hydration Safety
  • Worker Protection Standard (WPS)
  • Tractor, Power Take Off (PTO) and Equipment Safety
  • Skidsteer/ Forklift Safety
  • Safe Lifting and Carrying
  • Chainsaw Safety
  • Ladder Safety
  • Hazard Communications Standard (Chemical Safety)
  • Other safety topics by request

For Dairy or Livestock Farms

  • Personal Protective Equipment
  • Tractor, PTO and Equipment Safety
  • Skidsteer Safety
  • Mechanical Hazards
  • Confined Space Awareness
  • Manure Safety
  • Animal Handling & Needle Safety
  • Lockout/Tagout
  • Shop Safety
  • Milking Parlor Safety
  • Hazard Communication Standard (Chemical Safety)
  • Other topics by request

Agribusiness Presentations

NYCAMH educators are regularly invited to present on agricultural health and safety topics at events, including Farm Bureau or Cornell Cooperative Extension meetings and programs held by commodity groups. Presentations to agribusiness groups are provided at no cost and are available on a variety of topics.

Outreach Events

NYCAMH outreach staff regularly attend a number of local and regional trade shows to promote agricultural safety and health. Farm safety topics and information are disseminated through Presentations and displays as well as vy hands-on demonstrations.

Youth Farm Safety Activities

Youth farm safety activities are available to 4-H agricultural clubs, high school and college agriculture classes, Mennonite and Amish schools and other youth groups. Activities facilitated by a NYCAMH safety trainer can include:

  • Presentations at youth farm safety days or large farm shows
  • On-farm safety surveys or trainings with youth groups
  • Tractor/machinery operator classes coordinated by county Cooperative Extension 4-H programs
  • Progressive Agriculture Safety Days
  • Play-it-Safe Farm Safety Challenge Game

Farm Emergency Response Program

NYCAMH"s Farm Emergency Response Program trainings are designed to help farm workers and farm families learn what to do if they are the first at the scene in an emergency situation on the farm. Through this program, NYCAMH can also provide agricultural hazard awareness level training sessions to fire departments and EMS personnel. These services are available at no cost in English and Spanish.

Topics include:

  • Fire Extinguisher and Fire Safety
  • Emergency Preparedness
  • First Aid and CPR Certification through the American Heart Association
  • Basic First Aid
  • Agricultural Hazard Awareness training for professional responders

Respirator Fit Testing Program

The purpose of a respirator is to prevent the inhalation of harmful airborne substances. Any of the following tasks may require respiratory protection for farm owners or employees:

  • Cleaning barns or other animal confinement areas
  • Mixing footbath chemicals
  • Applying pesticides, fertilizers or other crop chemicals
  • Silo filling, unloading or maintenance
  • Other grain or silage handling activities

Respirators must be carefully selected to match each respiratory hazard. A respirator must fit your face properly, be NIOSH certified, and be appropriate to the hazard to provide adequate respiratory protection. One-strap disposable dust masks are not NIOSH certified and do not provide respiratory protection in any situation.

OSHA requires that an annual fit test be performed with the same make, model, style, and size of respirator before it is used. In addition to the fit test, anyone required to use a respirator must be medically cleared to insure there are no health risks to an individual working and wearing a respirator.

NYCAMH can provide services for proper fit, use, limitations, and maintenance of respirators and cartridges or connect you with a facility closer to you for these services.

Respirators and additional personal protection equipment can be purchased through NYCAMH at reduced prices.

Contact Us

Phone: 800-343-7527
Fax: 607-547-6087
E-Mail: info@nycamh.org