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Safety Videos on Agricultural Centers' YouTube Channel

The best agricultural safety videos – now just one click away – can be found on the U.S Agricultural Safety and Health Centers YouTube channel. The channel is a joint project of the 10 Agricultural Centers funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Sixty videos are now available for Extension agents/educators, agricultural science teachers, producers/owner/operators, first responders and agricultural families. Videos can be used during job orientation, safety/health education, 4-H meetings, high school or college classes. One benefit of YouTube is that videos can be accessed from mobile devices to conduct tailgate trainings in the field.

Spring is a good time to remind people involved in agricultural work to use respirators when they are in dusty conditions or are working with chemicals. Choosing, using and fitting the right respirator is the key to protecting your lungs.

Videos found on the U.S Agricultural Safety and Health Centers YouTube site inform the public about:
• How long term exposures to agricultural dusts and gases can cause permanent damage to your lungs leading to chronic bronchitis, an asthma-like condition, lung scarring, or emphysema.
• The fact that farmers have the highest rate of disabilities from respiratory conditions compared to other occupations.
• Symptoms of respiratory hazard exposure include: severe shortness of breath with exertion, chronic coughing, periodic flu-like symptoms, sinus problems and nasal drainage and chest tightness and wheezing after working in agricultural dusts.
• How respirators prevent dusts, molds, and other hazards from entering your airway and lungs.
• How serious diseases can result from one-time and repeated exposure to respiratory hazards.
• How you must always use the proper respirator for the specific hazard. Your dust/mist respirator will not protect you from ammonia fumes, though the two may look very similar.
• The importance of knowing that respirators must: have two straps, fit your face tightly, without gaps around the nose, cheeks, and chin, be appropriate for the task and be approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Viewers are encouraged to check the site regularly for new content and fresh ideas about how to stay safe while working in agriculture, forestry and fishing. Each video has been produced and reviewed by experts in agricultural, forestry and fishing occupational hazards. Other topics include: livestock safety, tractor and machinery safety, child development, emergency response, grain safety, pesticide safety, heat illness prevention, ladder safety and hearing protection.

For more information visit the website at www.youtube.com/USagCenters, or contact Project Administrator Allison DeVries Cassidy at USagCenters@gmail.com.