4 pgs., Objective: The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (WCAHS) at the University of California, Davis implemented a multifaceted rapid response to COVID-19 in the western United States. This paper describes the center's response from mid-March through June 30, 2020. Methods: A comprehensive needs assessment was conducted with agricultural stakeholders. Agriculture-specific COVID-19 resources were developed and disseminated, and a farmer/employer survey was launched. Results: The WCAHS COVID-19 resources web page, worksite checklist, and training guide were shared on over 50 web pages nationally. As of June 30, 2020, 282 online surveys have been received. Ongoing informal discussions with agricultural stakeholders indicate a disconnect between the experiences of farmers/employers and farmworkers in relation to COVID-19 prevention at the worksite. Initial survey responses indicate that implementing social distancing is one of the greatest challenges at the worksite. Confusion over local, state, and federal guidelines and which to follow is another concern. Conclusion: The WCAHS response to COVID-19, in close collaboration with agricultural stakeholders, represents a useful model for a rapid response to a public health crisis by regional centers. Key elements to its success include rapid personalized communication with a wide range of agricultural stakeholders, an actively engaged External Advisory Board, the development of industry-specific resources and information, recurring and iterative engagement with stakeholders as new COVID-19 information emerged and resources were developed, and the identification of the unique gap WCAHS was positioned to fill. The multipronged dissemination approach enhanced the reach of WCAHS COVID-19 resources.
USA: Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Location:
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 202 Document Number: D11974
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1 page, Online from publisher website., Poster features 11 hand signals developed by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers to enhance communication and promote farm safety.
13 pages, Online via UI Library electronic subscription, Described the mutually perceived influence of bankers and insurers on their agricultural clients' decision-making regarding health and safety. Authors concluded that insurers and bankers may prove both positive and negative, as farmers may be skeptical about the intention of the incentives, making messaging critical.
Agricultural Communications Documentation Center, Funk Library, University of Illinois Box: 140 Document Number: D05981
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia. NIOSH Publication No. 2015-177. 3 pages.
7 pages, Online via UI Library electronic subscription, Research analyzed the socio-ecological model in testing interventions for protecting children from agricultural disease and injury. Findings provided an example of how the model could work to safeguard youth operating tractors.
