Agriculture/Forestry/Fishing

A negative work safety culture is common among young people working on farms in North Carolina, according to a pilot study from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine.

Washington – A new voluntary program from the Environmental Protection Agency aims to protect agricultural workers from pesticide drift.

Washington – The Environmental Protection Agency is seeking public comment regarding a proposal to remove 72 chemicals from its list of substances that are approved for use in pesticide products.

Chapel Hill, NC – Nearly half of hog workers may carry drug-resistant bacteria in their noses after they leave work, potentially spreading the bacteria to their families and others, according to a recent study from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, and John Hopkins University.

Washington – Two members of Congress are broadening their effort to protect children as young as 12 from working in tobacco fields.

Springfield, IL – With National Farm Safety and Health Week (Sept. 20-27) approaching, the Energy Education Council’s Safe Electricity program is reminding farmers and other agriculture workers to practice safety when working near overhead power lines.

Portland, OR – The Oregon Occupational Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation has issued a hazard alert on the dangers of crab fishing.

Washington – Noting the high number of farm-related deaths involving vehicles and equipment, OSHA on Aug. 15 released two QuickCards intended to educate employers on protecting agricultural workers from these hazards.

Falls Church, VA – Legislation proposing to lower the working age in the logging industry is receiving pushback from a worker health organization.

Washington – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s controversial final rule on its New Poultry Inspection System is set to be published and, in response to public comment, will not increase the maximum speed of processing lines.