Forestry workers may be subject to extreme heat and cold. Working outdoors makes people more likely to become dehydrated and experience heat-related illness or heat stress. High temperatures reduce work capacity and may lead to heat stress and dehydration. Although exposure to heat stress is preventable, thousands become sick from occupational heat exposure every year, and some cases are fatal. Similarly, cold weather can reduce dexterity, blood flow, muscle strength, and balance. Hypothermia, frostbite, trench foot, and chilblains are all illnesses and injuries caused by cold stress. However, forestry workers can avoid heat-related illness and cold stress with proper information and preventative action. This presentation will explore both weather-related conditions and their impact on outdoor workers.

Forest workers face unique ergonomic challenges due to their exposure to extreme environmental conditions, heavy workload, and dangerous tools and machines. The forest sector has one of the highest rates of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), almost 100 times higher than the industrial targets the National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) set. This program is intended to help forest workers identify ergonomic issues leading to musculoskeletal injuries and discover resources to aid in injury treatment and prevention.

In the wake of the global impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the ensuing coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), the urgency to safeguard agricultural employees from infectious diseases has become paramount. Acknowledging the rapid and profound effects of the pandemic on a global scale, particularly its impact on individuals engaged in essential agricultural work, there is a heightened need to implement robust measures to mitigate the heightened risk of adverse health and economic consequences among this workforce. Addressing the challenges posed by the post-COVID era, it is imperative to adapt and enhance workplace safety protocols to ensure the well-being of agricultural workers, recognizing their critical role in sustaining essential food production. This presentation aims to emphasize proactive measures that employers can implement to minimize the transmission of infectious diseases. Key focus areas will encompass education and training, the proper utilization of personal protective equipment, adherence to rigorous hygiene practices, effective sanitation and disinfection protocols, robust communication and outreach strategies, well-prepared emergency response plans, and the incorporation of cultural sensitivity considerations. Employers can create safer and healthier work environments by addressing these comprehensive elements.

Stress can directly impact safety. Whether managing forestry wildfires or working long strenuous days harvesting and hauling timber, the forestry and logging workforce face unique situations that can predispose stress and challenges to mental well-being. The agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting (AgFF) industries has one of highest percentages of deaths by suicide. Key factors contributing to despair and distress include financial losses, chronic illness or pain, a sense of work-life imbalance, and lack of mental health support. And it is common to encounter circumstances beyond their control, such as unpredictable weather patterns, rapidly changing prices, and long workdays sometimes in isolation. Perceived lack of control can lead to helplessness and hopelessness, anxiety, depression, substance use and suicide. This session will explore the topic with a review of specific risk factors, and discuss ways to support this workforce in an unpredictable environment.

As people spend more time outdoors, so do many insects and pests. Among them are ticks, which are small bloodsucking insects. The deer tick (also known as the black-legged tick) is found mainly in the Eastern and upper Midwestern regions of the U.S. It can cause conditions such as Lyme disease – the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. This webinar will cover the things you need to know to prevent tick bites when working outdoors, how to remove a tick if bitten, as well as the symptoms that can result from tick bites that may indicate Lyme Disease.

COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV are all viruses spread by droplets and direct contact with infected people. Each virus has its specific causes, symptoms, severity, and vaccines for prevention. The distinction of these viruses is critical, especially given the multiple barriers and exposure factors for agricultural workers. This presentation will explore the risks agricultural workers face, preventative measures, and strategies to maintain personal and community health.

This Train the Trainer course is designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders and others who work with young adults. Agriculture is ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations and involves workers and family members of all ages. Illness and injuries can be prevented if we use the right protective equipment for the job. This program will present an overview of common exposures in farming and ranching and identify appropriate personal protective equipment.

This Train the Trainer course is designed for teachers, Extension staff, 4H and FFA leaders and others who work with young adults. Agriculture is ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations and involves workers and family members of all ages. Illness and injuries can be prevented if we use the right protective equipment for the job. This program will present an overview of common exposures in farming and ranching and identify appropriate personal protective equipment.

Stigma exists across all age groups for those struggling with mental health. Navigation of the teen years in everyday situations can create angst and uncomfortable feelings that are difficult to express. Adding mental illness and mental crisis to a teen or young adult’s typical growth and development makes struggling with emotions, relationships, academic success, and safety more challenging. According to the CDC, rates of depression and anxiety climb significantly during the ages of 12-17. Suicide is the second leading cause of death of youths in the United States. This module opens an introductory discussion of mental health among teens and young adults with guidance from an adult educator. Focus is placed on decreasing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and positive coping skills for teens and young adults. The module showcases a high school agricultural student’s understanding of the agricultural mental health crisis, helping to frame mental health distress to academic and future career success.