Sharry Nielsen from NE AgrAbility and Ellen Duysen from Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (CH-CASH) collaborated to present a session on women's health and safety at Women in Ag - Sidney in April. Following an overview of the issues facing women in the health and safety arena, they focused on respiratory health and protection, ergonomics on the farm/ranch, and protecting your hearing. In addition to the presentation, a display of ergonomic tools and PPE for respiratory health and hearing was staffed during the day. Nearly 50 women from the western part of Nebraska attended the one-day conference. Evaluations indicated that many learned about, and planned to begin, using some form of PPE in their farm/ranch work that they had not previously used.
Twenty occupational and physical therapists attended a day-long workshop in North Platte, Nebraska, put on by Nebraska AgrAbility. This beginning level workshop was designed to help these professionals become more competent care providers to the agricultural population who often seek treatment in clinics and hospitals. Students participated in open discussion about the farm culture and observed on-farm demonstrations.
Submitted by Nancy Frecks