Date of News Release: Friday, April 15, 2005

The New York State Department of Labor Hazard Abatement Board awarded NYCAMH funding for on-farm safety surveys and trainings. These surveys are offered free of cost to all farms including those employing migrant or seasonal workers. The aim of the surveys is to look at mechanical, environmental and personal hazards that are commonly encountered in an agricultural setting. Each participating farm will receive suggestions on how to eliminate possible hazards and be offered on-farm trainings. These trainings will be farm specific, based on findings from the survey, and can include topics such as equipment, farmstead/building and personal protective equipment safety. Employers of migrant workers are also offered one-day tractor/implement operation training for their employees. With the assistance of a Spanish translator, NYCAMH will provide this training on orchard, vegetable and dairy farms. All farms completing the safety survey will receive an SMV emblem.

These programs are also offered to high school and college agricultural classes, Tractor Operator Certification classes and 4-H groups. For more information or to schedule an on-farm safety survey, contact me at 800-343-7527, ext 239 or by e-mail jcarrabba@nycamh.com.