The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health (NYCAMH) receives grant funding to provide farm safety services at no cost. These services are available to any type of agricultural operation in New York. Experienced NYCAMH educators and trainers promote safe and healthy farming by teaching safe work practices to audiences including youth, agribusiness professionals and farm workers of all backgrounds through a variety of programs.
On-farm safety surveys review potential hazards around the farmstead, shop, tractors and machinery. They also evaluate use of personal protective equipment. The safety survey is designed for the farm owner or manager, but certainly can include others. A checklist is used and a copy will be provided after the survey, along with suggestions for improvements to be made. Results are for the farm's benefit only and survey information is kept confidential.
On-farm safety trainings provided by NYCAMH discusses agricultural hazards and encourages safe work practices to workers. All on-farm safety training is scheduled at a time most convenient for the farm, offered at no cost, and available in English and Spanish. NYCAMH trainings can help fulfill some USDA, OSHA and GAPS requirements. We provide a copy of the training roster and certificate of completion - paperwork that can help document training sessions for third-party auditors.
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. These presentations to agribusiness groups are provided at no cost and are available on a variety of topics.
NYCAMH outreach staff regularly attend a number of local and regional trade shows to promote agricultural safety and health. At these events we provide presentations and set up displays on a variety of topics.
Youth farm safety activities are available to 4-H agricultural clubs, high school and college agriculture classes, Mennonite schools and other youth groups. Activities facilitated by a NYCAMH safety trainer can include presentations at farm safety days, on-farm safety surveys or trainings, tractor/machinery operator classes coordinated by county Cooperative Extension 4-H programs, and the Play-it-Safe Farm Safety Challenge Game.
Farm Emergency Response Program trainings offered by NYCAMH are designed to help farm workers and families learn what to do if they are the first at the scene in an emergency situation on the farm. All these services are available at no cost in English and Spanish. Topics include fire extinguisher and fire safety, first response to farm emergencies, first aid and CPR certification through the American Heart Association, and basic first aid.
Jim Carrabba
Agricultural Safety and Education Coordinator
800-343-7527 x239 or jcarrabba@nycamh.com
Anna Meyerhoff
Bilingual Farm Safety Educator
800-343-7527 x291 or ameyerhoff@nycamh.com