Highlights This research incorporated and validated a manikin-based testing system with a grain dust simulator to simulate respirators’ performance in a laboratory setting. Four commonly used respirators were quantified to estimate their SWPFs in a simulated grain-dust environment and compared to real-time dust measurements collected in on-farm grain bins. A successful simulator can advance agricultural health research where variables can be manipulated based on real-time factors to make respirator recommendations for farm use. Abstract. Grain dust is a major health risk for farmers working at on-farm grain storage facilities. To reduce exposure, farmers are advised to wear filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs). A Grain Dust Simulator (GDS) was verified to simulate dusty grain storage environments in a laboratory setting. This study combined the GDS with a manikin system to evaluate the protection performance of four common respiratory protection devices (RPDs), where tests were conducted under four respirable dust concentrations (5, 10, 15, and 20 mg m -3 ) and two inhalation flow rates (30 and 85 Lmin -1 ). Results showed that the manikin–GDS platform was validated for Simulated Workplace Protection Factors (SWPF) under simulated grain bin conditions, with good repeatability. The quantified and compared SWPFs of four respirator types in a simulated grain-dust environment showed clear performance differences, including validation that the nuisance dust mask is not recommended for the grain bin environment. With a specific focus on grain dust hazards, this research supports agricultural safety and health professionals’ recommendations for farmers to better understand on-farm respiratory hazards and selection of appropriate protective equipment. Keywords: Agricultural health, Grain dust environment simulation, Manikin-based protection factor, Respirator.
HIGHLIGHTS:Farm youth acquired safety knowledge through observing their parents, receiving formal training, and being supervised during new tasks. Parent-youth pairs perceived youth farm injury risk as low, expressing confidence in the effectiveness of their existing safety practices. Parent-youth pairs acknowledged inconsistent adherence to their farm safety measures. ABSTRACT:Youth remain at great risk for injuries and fatalities on farms, particularly on family farms where home and workplace blur together. While farming hazards are well-documented, less is known about youth interactions with these hazards and the most effective strategies for providing safety training, underscoring the need to better protect this vulnerable population. This qualitative study explored the strategies that adolescents and their parents on family farms use to protect working youth from serious farm injuries and assessed the perceived effectiveness of these safety strategies. Thirty semi-structured Zoom interviews were conducted separately with fifteen parent-youth dyads. All participants lived and worked on family farms in southeastern Iowa. Youth reported learning about farm safety through training, observing their parents, and being supervised while performing new tasks. Both parents and youth identified open communication as a key element of farm safety strategies. Participants perceived the risk of youth farm injuries occurring on their farm as low, attributing this to their confidence in the effectiveness of the safety measures they implemented (e.g., training, protective equipment). However, while most participants expressed confidence in their safety training and strategies, they also acknowledged inconsistent adherence to them. These findings contribute to the body of knowledge on youth safety in agriculture, particularly in understanding how family farms protect working youth from injury, how parents deliver farm safety guidance to youth, and how effective farm safety measures are perceived to be.
HIGHLIGHTS:Moderate handle lift angles (27°-56°) and handle lift heights (545-1111 mm) reduce hip/shoulder flexion. Lighter tools (<2.0 kg) lower MSD risk; heavier ones boost leverage for taller users. D-grip handles with natural curves enhance wrist alignment and comfort (64% preference). Adjustable designs can accommodate diverse anthropometrics to mitigate physical strain. ABSTRACT:The design and characteristics of agricultural hand tools, including shovels and pitchforks, are essential for reducing physical strain and enhancing task efficiency among women farmers. This study investigates the ergonomic performance of conventional shovels and pitchforks in reducing physical strain among women farmers. A sample of seven female participants performed simulated farm tasks, scooping and throwing straw using 10 shovels and 8 pitchforks selected from an initial pool of 24 and 19, respectively. Tool mechanical parameters (weight, handle lift height, handle length, and handle lift angle) were measured with digital instruments, while user posture and biomechanical strain were assessed via 3D pose estimation using commercial AI-based ergonomic software (TuMeke). The software provided peak joint angles and calculated RULA and REBA scores as approximate indicators of musculoskeletal risk, and mechanical advantage was calculated using measured effort and resistance arm lengths. Two-way ANOVA analyses revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in hip and shoulder angles and mechanical advantage between tool types (shovels versus pitchforks) and handle grip designs (D-grip with natural inward curve versus straight handles). Results indicate that tools featuring moderate handle angles (27°-56°), handle lift heights aligning with typical standing elbow heights (545-1,111 mm), and lighter weights (<1.5-2.0 kg) effectively reduced awkward postures, as evidenced by lower peak hip and shoulder flexion angles and improved RULA/REBA scores. Conversely, heavier tools, while offering a higher mechanical advantage, imposed greater strain on the upper body. Additionally, approximately 64% of participants preferred D-grip handles with natural inward curves, which enhanced wrist alignment and overall comfort. This study highlights the importance of tool designs tailored to anthropometric variability. Tools with adjustable handle lift heights and moderate handle lift angles might improve health, reduce physical strain, and enhance productivity. Future research should explore broader anthropometric diversity, advanced analytical methods, and additional tool configurations to refine ergonomic recommendations.
HIGHLIGHTS:There is a need to close the gap in farmers' knowledge about natural pesticides and safer alternatives to agrochemicals. A system for routine, affordable medical care would encourage clinical presentation to capture occupational health data. Appropriate content and medium are critical for impact among the high number of farmers completing only primary school. ABSTRACT:Globally, low- and middle-income countries bear the highest disease burden from the indiscriminate use of agrochemicals. Few recent studies directly assess agrihealth and food safety hazards from pesticide use in the smaller Caribbean islands. This study aims to close this gap and support the development of evidence-based policy and interventions for agrihealth. Secondary data was analyzed from a retrospective cross-sectional survey to examine the use of hazardous pesticides in crop production, handling and application practices, and farmers' health in a Caribbean island, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The implications for health and food safety are discussed with recommendations to improve agrihealth in the country. Over 90% of farmers reported use of commercial pesticides in crop production. The active ingredients of commonly used products were classified as moderately, highly, and extremely hazardous by the World Health Organization, which is significant for health and food safety. Statistically significant associations were not found between the use of pesticides and farmers' demographics, indicating these factors did not affect the pattern of usage. Over 40% of the farmers reported experiencing symptoms of arthritis and wheezing, respectively, and 15% reported respiratory problems. Mixing 2 or more pesticides was common (41.5%), of which 56.8% reported no knowledge of natural pesticides available in the country. Knowledge about natural pesticides was significantly associated with region (p < 0.05). A range of personal protective equipment was used but appeared not to be in full complement. Training in pesticide handling, storage, and application was limited. There is a need to strengthen systems to monitor stewardship in agrochemical use, farmers' health surveillance, and agricultural food safety practices. Studies are needed to further examine the public health and food safety effects in the context of the wider community. This study, however, provides a basis for immediate interventions to improve health and food safety in the country.
HIGHLIGHTS:Compared visual-auditory and visual-tactile modalities for AAM supervision. Both modalities are highly usable, with preferences shaped by farming experience. Non-farming participants responded faster to visual-auditory cues. User background influenced warning design effectiveness and interface needs. ABSTRACT:As autonomous agricultural machines (AAMs) become more prevalent, effective communication through warning systems is essential for safe and efficient remote supervision. This study evaluated the usability and cue effectiveness of two bimodal warning modalities (visual-auditory (VA) and visual-tactile (VT)) during a simulated remote supervision task. Usability was assessed from the supervisor's perspective using the Computer System Usability Questionnaire (CSUQ). Cue effectiveness was examined through objective performance-based measures aligned with three situation awareness levels: (1) noticeability and response time as measures of perception, (2) accuracy and comprehension time as measures of comprehension, and (3) accuracy and projection time as measures of projection. Thirty participants (5 with farming experience and 25 without farming experience) interacted with a simulated human-machine interface (HMI). Both modalities received high usability ratings, although the visual-tactile was rated more favorably by farming participants. Projection accuracy was significantly lower for farming participants using visual-auditory cues (86.7%), χ²(3, N = 540) = 5.37, p = .147. Although comprehension accuracy differed slightly across modalities-particularly among farming participants-these differences were minimal and not statistically significant. In contrast, non-farming participants exhibited significantly faster saccadic and manual response times to visual-auditory warnings, t(24) = 3.16, p = .004 and t(24) = 3.56, p = .002, respectively. Comprehension and projection times did not differ significantly by modality. Subjective preferences aligned with performance trends; non-farming participants favored visual-auditory cues, while farming participants preferred visual-tactile cues. Correlation analyses indicated that faster comprehension strongly predicted higher usability, and task accuracy was perfectly correlated with usability ratings. These findings underscore the influence of user experience on multimodal warning efficacy and support the need for adaptive, user-informed interface designs in AAM supervision.
HIGHLIGHTS:Maximum high temperature and maximum relative humidity were found to be important in predicting corn moisture. Year, state, and maximum relative humidity were found to be important in predicting engulfment and entrapment. Findings warrant further investigation to examine exactly what is changing and impacting corn moisture and engulfment and entrapment incidents. ABSTRACT:Despite the clear hazard of out-of-condition grain, limited research has explored the role of specific indicators of grain condition and their impact on the rate of grain entrapments and engulfments. This project focuses on corn because it is the primary crop involved with documented grain entrapments and engulfments. The primary aim of the project was to identify significant factors associated with the moisture of harvested corn and to analyze the relationship between these factors and the occurrence of engulfment and entrapments. First, it was found that both year and state were associated with corn moisture. Further, the relationship between corn moisture and weather variables in the U.S. Corn Belt was investigated. It was found that both maximum high temperature and relative humidity predict corn moisture. A secondary goal was to measure the relationship between selected weather factors, the moisture of commodity corn, and on-farm and commercial entrapment and engulfment incidents in the U.S. Corn Belt. Year, state, and maximum relative humidity were found to be important in predicting the occurrence of engulfments and entrapments. Future work should examine other quality factors using modeling, including test weight, total damage, foreign material, and more detailed weather data to consider several prediction alternatives.
HIGHLIGHTS:Swine farmworkers face high risk of flu exposure, which can extend to their household members. Access to the flu vaccine for swine farmworkers is essential to protect both human and animal health. Having health insurance is crucial for increasing flu vaccination rates among Latino swine farmworkers. ABSTRACT:Swine production in the United States is vital to food security. Although there has been a decline in the number of hog farms across the country, there has been an expansion of large-scale operations. These larger facilities can create environments that facilitate the zoonotic transmission of viruses such as influenza, posing risks not only to workers and their families but also to public health. The seasonal influenza vaccine can reduce the risk of infection and subsequent transmission. The purpose of this study was to explore predictors of seasonal influenzavaccine uptake among Latino immigrant swine farmworkers and their household members. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and logistic regression were used to assess factors associated with seasonal influenza vaccine uptake among participants (n=62). About 60% of the participants reported that they had received the seasonal influenza vaccine within the previous year. Self-reported seasonal influenza vaccine uptake was positively associated with reporting a regular healthcare provider and having health insurance coverage. The odds of a Latino immigrant swine farmworker or a household member receiving the seasonal influenza vaccine were seven times higher for those with health insurance. Ensuring that agricultural workers and members of their household have access to the seasonal influenza vaccine and encouraging vaccine uptake is a critical strategy for preventing the spread of influenza and ensuring both human and animal health.
HIGHLIGHTS:Three AI systems were used and analyzed on their ability to create farm emergency plans. AI were presented with three farm emergency scenarios to access their completeness and accuracy of response. AI was not able to present complete farm emergency plans, as human intervention was needed for a complete FEP. AI responded well for individual emergency scenarios presented, containing key safety points. ABSTRACT:The ability of three artificial intelligence systems (ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini) to generate functional Farm Emergency Plans (FEP) for a typical Midwestern row crop grain farm was evaluated. Four prompts, each of increasing levels of specificity, were used with the three AI systems, yielding twelve distinct FEPs. A rubric was developed to evaluate each of the twelve AI products against the findings of a review of relevant current literature including academic, government, not-for-profit, and insurance sources to identify essential and consistent components of a FEP. Both ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot were found to provide valuable starting points for developing FEPs when detailed prompts were provided, while Google Gemini results were less useful. However, none of the systems were capable of independently generating FEPs at the time of this study. Plans that were deemed as unreliable or incomplete enough for application were primarily due to the diverse nature of agricultural operations, limited resources on agricultural emergency preparedness, and the lack of maturity of current AI systems. Findings showed the essential need of using AI systems in collaboration with human guidance and input from other evidence-based sources to create effective FEPs. Similar results were confirmed in which the AI systems were prompted for emergency responses to three specific farm-related emergencies as part of the FEP: (1) flowing grain entrapment, (2) hazardous agricultural chemical spills, and (3) anhydrous ammonia exposure. The need for additional input was found to be essential. Outcomes were limited in scope to the particular type of farm selected for testing and the ability of the AI systems when they were queried on 30 September 2024; 12 February 2025; and 7 March 2025. Since AI systems rapidly continue to mature as they are "exercised," further inquiries will, therefore, yield different outcomes, because AI has become more sophisticated and developed every day. It should also be noted that for "best practices," the inquirer should provide AI with any resources that they have found and provide multiple inquiries to gain the best and most accurate results. This study demonstrated the potential that AI offers to agricultural producers, specifically in emergency preparedness and response, while emphasizing prompt development and user competency to verify AI outputs.
HIGHLIGHTS:Autonomous and highly automated agricultural machines require data-informed risk assessment integrated into design. Long-term incident data gaps for risk assessment necessitate alternative, creative solutions and data sharing. Consensus, voluntary engineering standards should guide safe design for all types of machines, but often lag behind rapid technological change. Broader awareness, access, and alignment of engineering design standards with emerging risks are essential for safe adoption. ABSTRACT:The introduction of highly automated and autonomous agricultural machinery has led to concerns about the availability of appropriate historical data for engineering design risk assessment to ensure protection from injury and other unexpected events. During the transition period from traditional farm tractors and machines to those more highly automated, industry-based, consensus standards remain a vital tool in the design process. This paper examines the role of risk assessment methods and consensus-based standards in improving safety for these technologies. It includes cited literature presented in the form of a primer or overview at the request of participants at the 2022 SaferAg workshop. It reviews key risk assessment concepts, common methodologies, and the specific data needs and limitations that arise when historical incident records are unavailable. The paper also outlines how standards are developed, their connection to regulation, and recent updates to ISO 18497 relevant to autonomous agricultural equipment. Key challenges include lag times in standard development, uneven access to standards, and gaps in awareness among both designers and policymakers engaged in new regulatory efforts. Addressing these challenges will require coordinated efforts in data collection, standard refinement, and stakeholder education to ensure safe and effective deployment of emerging agricultural machine forms.
Highlights ½ open nozzle and ½ crimped nozzle were the most effective nozzles in removing out-of-condition grain clumps. ½ open nozzle and ½ crimped nozzle effectiveness were significantly correlated with the hardness of the grain clump. High pressure compressed air could be an effective method for breaking grain clumps stuck in the center sump. A shop air compressor is not effective in breaking up out-of-condition grain clumps. Abstract. Grain entrapment is an agricultural injury in which a person enters a grain bin or silo to dislodge a blockage caused by out-of-condition grain and becomes partially or fully entrapped or engulfed in grain. Each year in the US, approximately 33 grain entrapments occur, where roughly 50% of the entrapped people die. In 2022, at least 42 individuals were entrapped with grain, the largest number of incidents since 2010, when 60 incidents were reported. The persistence of this issue despite substantial investment in training programs highlights the urgent unmet need for testing alternative prevention solutions to reduce grain entrapments. This study aims to test and validate the effectiveness and safety of using high-powered air compressors as tools to break apart out-of-condition grain blockages. A small-scale experiment was conducted with an air compressor and five different nozzles. The effectiveness of each nozzle was measured against hardness, moisture content, and percent grains in each clump. The ½ inch open nozzle and ½ inch crimped nozzle were found the most effective nozzles in reducing the size of grain clumps. Both nozzle results were highly correlated with the hardness of the clump. Results indicate that compressed air could be an effective solution to address grain clumping and blocking auger sumps. Keywords: Air compressor, Grain bin, Grain clumps, Grain hardness, Grain safety, Nozzle, Out-of-condition grain.
Highlights The friction force is one of the important influence factors on tire slip, overturning, and rollover characteristics of tractors. The maximum static friction forces of three different tractors were measured on paved roads under various loading conditions. The prediction models of the previous study were improved through regression analysis for the measured data. The model that uses the front and rear axle’s reaction forces as variables showed the highest prediction accuracy. Abstract. The overturning and rollover safety of a tractor located on a slope is decreased by tire slip, which is affected by static friction force. Existing regression models for predicting the static friction force of tractors demonstrate inadequate accuracy, necessitating further refinement. Therefore, this study was conducted to improve the accuracy of the maximum static friction force prediction model developed in a previous study for tractors with a front-end loader. As a result of measuring the maximum static friction, it tended to increase as the rear ballast weight increased and to decrease as the payload increased. The accuracy of the regression models in this study was significantly improved compared to that in previous studies. The regression model that used the reaction forces of the front and rear axles as variables exhibited the highest accuracy, followed by the model using the rear axle reaction only. The reaction force of the rear axle had a greater effect on the maximum static friction than that of the front axle. The developed regression model will predict the maximum static friction force of a tractor with a front-end loader on paved roads with high accuracy using the reaction forces of the front and rear axles. Future studies will focus on extending these predictions to various soil types and under dynamic conditions. Keywords: Agricultural tractor, Front-end loader, Maximum static friction force, Regression analysis, Regression model, Tire slip.
HIGHLIGHTS:U.S. safety regulations pertaining to lone workers have had generally little impact on agricultural workers. Enhanced agricultural mechanization has led to an increased role of lone workers and potential risks of lone worker incidents. Practices and technologies used in other industries have potential application to agricultural workplaces to enhance lone worker safety. There is a need to incorporate evidence-based content on lone-worker safety and health in current education programs targeting agricultural workers. ABSTRACT:A relatively unique aspect of agricultural work, as compared to most other industries, is the frequency that workers are involved in performing hazardous tasks while working alone. A review of current U.S. regulatory requirements related to lone workers found that most current regulations do not apply nor are they enforced in agricultural workplaces. Requirements such as having multiple workers and/or supervisors present when entering confined spaces, maintaining supervision over young and beginning workers, providing communication aids for lone workers, and utilizing wearable sensing technology have had little impact on general agricultural production practices. It was concluded that modern communication technologies have improved the ability to contact and track those who are working alone. However, utilization of these technologies to lone workers in agriculture was found to be generally lacking. More needs to be done to make agricultural workers aware of the best practices that could reduce the frequency and severity of the incidents most likely to result in an injury or death.
Highlights Comprehensive view of occupational safety research: Prioritizing topics in robotics and autonomous machines. Barriers to safety research: Logistical, intellectual property, timeline, and funding challenges. Importance of surveillance or tracking system: Documenting fatalities, injuries, and near misses/good catches. Priority safety research needs: human-machine interaction, adoption of automation in the work setting, and surveillance/tracking. Collaboration with technology developers: Overcoming barriers and exploring emerging technologies and potential safety implications. Abstract. In 2022, the SAfety for Emerging Robotics and Autonomous AGriculture (SAFER AG) Workshop was held to discuss and understand emerging challenges related to safety, occupational safety research needs, workforce implications, and other issues associated with robotics and autonomous machines in agriculture. This paper presents the major findings from the occupational safety research track of the workshop. This track identified existing hurdles to conducting occupational safety research including logistical barriers, intellectual property concerns, long timelines, and lack of funding. Considerations for developing a tracking or surveillance system for adverse events as well as exposure related to these technologies were also discussed, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive system. Finally, the priority occupational safety research needs identified during the session were related to human and non-human machine interaction, adoption of automation in the work setting, and event tracking/surveillance. To overcome barriers to research, collaboration between occupational safety researchers and technology developers is crucial. Enhancements to existing surveillance systems can facilitate better understanding of captured events. Additionally, prioritizing research on worker risk from robotics and autonomous machines in agriculture is essential. The integration of robotics and autonomous machines in agriculture has revolutionized the industry but requires evidence-based safety research, outreach, and education to ensure worker safety and health. Keywords: Agriculture industry, Autonomous machines, Robotics, Safety research needs, Surveillance.
Highlights Fan exhaust air sampling is a reliable monitoring proxy for indoor bioaerosols from livestock operations. Air samples collected indoors and at fan exhaust have highly similar bacterial diversity. At low indoor concentrations, specific microbial markers are still detectable in the air collected at the fan exhaust. Abstract. The incidence of animal and zoonotic diseases is expected to increase in the coming years, imposing the reinforcement of biosecurity measures for livestock operations. Airborne transmission of certain infectious agents underscores the importance of surveilling bioaerosols. However, having access to livestock operations for monitoring purposes is now challenging. Hence, it has become imperative to explore alternative strategies to assess indoor bioaerosols. This study aimed to compare bacterial diversity and quantify microbial markers found in bioaerosols indoors and at the fan exhausts of pig-finishing buildings (PFBs) and broiler chicken barns (BCBs). Bioaerosols were collected using a filter-based, high-flow rate air sampler in 12 facilities (10 PFBs and 2 BCBs) during the warm season in Eastern Canada, corresponding to maximal ventilation rate operations. Four farms—PFB-1, PFB-2, BCB-1, and BCB-2—were visited multiple times, while the other eight PFBs (PFB-3 to PFB-10) were visited once. At each farm, indoor air samples were paired with samples from the corresponding sidewall extraction fans. Amplicon-based sequencing and quantitative PCR (qPCR) were performed to describe bacterial diversity and quantify specific microbial (bacterial and archaeal 16S rRNA genes, Enterococcus spp., and a phage of Aerococcus viridans) and animal (swine and poultry DNA) markers. No significant differences in OTUs abundance and diversity between indoor bioaerosols and their corresponding fan exhaust samples were observed. There were also no significant differences between an indoor and its corresponding fan exhaust air sample when comparing OTUs relative abundance and their presence-absence. Similarly, concentrations of bacterial 16S rRNA genes in indoor samples (10 6 –10 8 ) did not significantly differ from those found in samples collected at the fan exhaust (10 5 –10 8 ) for both PFBs and BCBs. Strong correlations were observed between sampling sites for Archaea, Enterococcus, and A. viridans phage concentrations while poultry and swine DNA concentrations at fan exhausts did not correlate with indoor levels. All investigated markers were detectable at fan exhausts, even at low indoor concentrations (10 2 –10 3 ). Our study suggests that air sampling at the fan exhaust of barns provides a representative picture of the indoor bioaerosols both for bacterial diversity and barn-specific indicators when the fans are in use. This method appears promising for characterizing indoor air quality based on emissions and could be highly valuable in cases where biosecurity measures or outbreaks restrict access to barns. Keywords: Air sampling, Airborne microbiota, Bioaerosols, Broiler, Fan exhaust, Livestock operations, Pig.
Highlights Decrease fatalities and injuries in agricultural ATV incidents. Protect youth ATV riders in agricultural incidents. Use engineering controls to reduce agricultural ATV crashes. Comprehensive perspectives on ATV incidents (Australia, Canada, Israel, Sweden, and the USA). Abstract. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) or quad bikes have raised serious concerns, especially in rural areas where they are used for occupation (i.e., agriculture and forestry) and recreation (i.e., hunting and recreational riding). ATVs are unstable vehicles, and their incidents have been linked to factors such as the rider’s physical capabilities (such as strength, anthropometry, and visual acuity) and behavior, safety awareness (training), application of personal protective equipment, lack of protective structure, and regulations. This manuscript presents perspectives of ATV safety experts from several countries, including Australia, Canada, Israel, Sweden, and the USA. The topics include the state of the art in youth riders, engineering control methods, stability, protective structures, safety rating systems, training and education, personal protection equipment, and new regulations. Keywords: Agriculture, ATV, Comprehensive perspective, Quad bikes, Safety, Youth.
Highlights Thermal infrared array sensors can detect simulated human presence at distances up to 3 m. Simulated human models for testing thermal infrared arrays need to be heated. Testing models should be designed to incorporate clothing, PPE, and features that change heat distribution. It is critical to match the pixel observable area and the expected size of heated regions at critical distances. Abstract. This project consists of two sets of experiments using low-cost thermal infrared arrays—the TPAM 166 L3.9 array and the AMG8833, which were operated as 16-pixel arrays. These sensors were tested to determine how well they detected a simulated human model. The TPAM 166 L3.9 was tested with a heated, water-filled, clothed model representing a standing adult human. The AMG8833 was tested with a heated and non-heated version of the ISO 18497 simulated human model, which represented a seated human. These sensors were able to respond to heated models at distances up to 3 m from the sensor. The unheated human model did not produce a response. For heated models, the strength of the detection increases at shorter distances if the warmest parts of the model were visible to the sensor. As the warm parts of the model approached the sensors, the number of pixels impacted and the temperatures that they detected increased. However, detection decreased as the simulated human model approached at distances less than 1.5 m if the sensor was focused on a clothed section of the model. For deployment, the pixel observable area should match the expected size of heated regions considering PPE, clothing, and operational considerations. It is critical to consider pixel observable area and pixel response levels rather than the sensor level characteristics, as detection will occur at the pixel level. Keywords: Automation, Human presence detection, Infrared, ISO 18497, Machinery, Sensors.
Highlights Walnut dust is listed as combustible by OSHA. This designation could trigger requirements for walnut hullers and shellers to install expensive sprinkler systems and approved dust control systems. Recognized standard combustible dust screening tests showed that walnut huller and sheller dusts were not flammable solids and should not be considered combustible. Abstract. Fires and explosions at agricultural facilities have been an issue across the world. While some agricultural industries like sugar and grain handling facilities have had issues with fires or explosions and have been subject to regulations on dusts for many years, many other agricultural processors have not. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) lists walnut dust as combustible. Some local governments and insurance companies have attempted to apply that designation to dust at walnut huller and sheller facilities. Facilities that generate potentially combustible dusts must abide by National Fire Protection Association standards that require expensive sprinkler systems and approved dust control systems and may have difficulties obtaining approval for building permits and insurance coverage. Tests following United Nations Manual of Tests and Criteria, Part III, Subsection 33.2.1, Test N.1, “Test Method for Flammable Solids” were conducted to determine the combustibility of dust samples collected at walnut hulling and shelling facilities in California. According to these tests following the UN method, the walnut huller and sheller dusts were not flammable solids and therefore should not be considered combustible dusts. Keywords: Combustible, Flammable, Huller, Sheller, Walnut dust.
Highlights Higher skeletal muscle improves farm workers’ work ability. Increased body fat percentage negatively impacts work capacity. Reducing subcutaneous fat enhances physical performance in farm workers. Promoting healthy body composition is essential for improving work ability. Abstract. Farm work is highly physical, often involving repetitive tasks, awkward postures, and heavy lifting, which can contribute to musculoskeletal disorders. Body composition, including skeletal muscle and fat percentages, is critical for work ability (WA), influencing strength and endurance. The current study investigated the association between WA and body composition among Thai farm workers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 126 corn farm workers in Nan Province, Thailand. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire covering demographic characteristics, health behaviors, and WA (assessed using the Work Ability Index, WAI). Body composition variables, including body mass index, body fat percentage (BFP), subcutaneous fat percentage (SFP), and skeletal muscle percentage (SMP), were measured using a body composition analyzer. The association between body composition and WA was analyzed using multiple regression analysis to control the effects of confounding factors. The average WAI score was 37.3 (standard deviation = 5.6), with 42.9% of participants classified as having good WA. A significant positive association was found between WA and SMP (whole body, trunk, arms, and legs) (p < 0.001). Conversely, WA was negatively associated with SFP (trunk and legs) (p < 0.01), as well as SFP (whole body) and BFP (p < 0.001). The findings suggest that maintaining a higher SMP and reducing excess fat, particularly subcutaneous fat, can enhance WA in farm workers. These results highlight the importance of promoting healthy body composition to improve physical performance and work capacity in this workforce. Keywords: Body composition, SMP, Subcutaneous fat, Thai farm workers, Work ability.
Highlights Sheepherders express pride in their resilience, skill, and responsibility for their flock's livelihood. Sheepherders face challenges meeting basic needs like food, clothing, and medical care. Isolation and environmental hardships take a toll on sheepherders' mental health. Challenging environmental conditions affect the working and living conditions of sheepherders working on the open range. Abstract. Sheepherders in the western United States often work in remote areas in small campers, have long periods of isolation, and face challenging environmental conditions, including extreme weather and predator threats. There is limited research on the work and priorities of sheepherders in the United States. This qualitative study aimed to learn Spanish-speaking sheepherders’ experiences at work as well as their greatest concerns and points of pride in their work. An oral survey was conducted with sheepherders in Colorado during April and May 2024. Responses were thematically analyzed. Twenty-four Spanish-speaking sheepherders participated. Survey respondents’ greatest concerns were for meeting their basic needs, environmental conditions, economic pressures, and mental health effects of being isolated and distant from family. Findings show that sheepherders are resilient and adapt to a demanding work environment. Coordinated efforts are needed to address their concerns and meet their basic needs. Keywords: Adaptability, Basic needs, Health, Sheepherders.
Highlights Five annual training topics were: Year 1) Tractor/Equipment Roll-Over Hazards, Year 2) ATV/UTV Operation Hazards, Year 3) Tractor/Equipment Operation Hazards, Year 4) PTO/Entanglement Hazards, and Year 5) Agricultural Machinery Transport Hazards Associated with Use on Public Roadways. To assess the influence of agricultural machinery safety training, student work-based, journal reflections were collected through the Agricultural Experience Tracker to qualitatively describe their production-based agricultural experiences. Most student journal entries focused on machinery operations. Abstract. The Supervised Agricultural Experience Safety Award program was launched with Montana, Utah, and South Dakota agriculture teachers. A combination of video conferencing and in-person training workshops were offered to school-based agriculture teachers in Montana, Utah, and South Dakota. Zoom webinar workshops were held with teachers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The five annual training topics included: Year 1) Tractor/Equipment Roll-over Hazards, Year 2) ATV/UTV Operation Hazards, Year 3) Tractor/Equipment Operation Hazards, Year 4) PTO/Entanglement Hazards, and Year 5) Agricultural Machinery Transport Hazards Associated with use on Public Roadways. To assess the influence of agricultural machinery safety training, students’ journal reflections were collected through the Agricultural Experience Tracker. Students’ production-based agricultural experiences were coded by USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) Commodity Codes, describing students’ safety reporting using Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) journal entries, and quantifying teachers’ workshop participation. A total of 2,257 journal entries were reviewed from Montana, Utah, and South Dakota. A total of 760 unique student journal entries were associated with a teacher participating in the training program. Most student journal entries focused on machinery operations. A total of 49 journal entries specifically reported safety. A total of 203 journal entries recorded the use of tractors. A total of 160 agricultural production work entries (38.8%, n = 412) noted crop production as the agricultural production work experience. The results provide recommendations for developing an application model for translation using an FFA award structure. Keywords: Education, Journaling, Machinery, Safety, Tractors, Training, Youth.
