NCSU-BAE Extension Farm Safety Agriculture in North Carolina continues to play a major role in the lives of citizens in both the rural and urban areas. Many residents are still dependent upon the seasonal jobs that are associated with the many varied crops grown and harvested. These injuries or illnesses are a result of interaction with machinery, environmental conditions, lack of experience with equipment, operator fatigue, and busy life styles.
Agriculture still ranks as one of the top three most hazardous occupations.
The North Carolina Farm Safety program is working with various agencies such as the Emergency Medical Squads, NC Farm Bureaus, Fire Departments, Agricultural Equipment Dealers and others to provide training and educational materials, that will train people involved in various agricultural enterprises with ways to avoid incidents of injury and illnesses. These programs train first responders how to assist in accidents involving machinery and humans, and more importantly, show potential victims how to avoid these accidents. A primary focus on these trainings are to decrease child injuries associated with agricultural machinery and lifestyles. With the influx of people into the state, education on the proper use of chemicals to avoid excessive runoff into our waterways is being addressed. Many homeowners use excessive amounts of pesticides, herbicides and other chemicals to obtain great results in their lawn.