Develop educational programs to reduce occupational injury and disease among farm families, farm workers, and others in the agricultural industry. Communicate safety and health research findings through the mass media, bulletins, and audio-visual materials. Provide leadership in organizing rural communities to address the underlying economic and cultural factors that contribute to a high rate of injuries and occupational health problems among farm families. The Farm Safety and Health Program provides resources and programming leadership to extension educators and other rural service providers interested in prevention activities. The program continues to focus on the education of multiplier groups.
Key groups targeted include health professionals, extension educators, and insurance inspectors.
Program staff have been actively involved in development of print and audio-visual educational information used by educators and by the media. During 1996, an estimated 3,500 children participated in educational programs using resources developed by this program. Impact evaluation surveys continue to indicate positive changes in knowledge and safety behavior of participants and family members. About 2,000 to 3,000 producers and 250 health professionals have been directly involved in live educational programs. An additional 1,800 pesticide applicators received information and education through the program.