California

California AgrAbility staff presented at the Creating Links to Resources and Opportunities (CREO) monthly meeting at Communicare's West Sacramento Clinic. Located in Yolo County, this clinic serves one out of eight of the county's residents. The presentation consisted of an ergonomic tools demonstration and a presentation of AgrAbility services. Participants included CREO program staff and members of their community services support group. Participants shared about their aches and pains in everyday home gardening and nursery jobs. They also had an opportunity to try the demo tools and enjoyed learning about simple solutions to help them preserve their most important work tool: their body!

California AgrAbility staff participated in the "All-Terrain Vehicles Safety in Australia" seminar led by David Robertson, managing director of QB Industries who also served as vice chair and chair of the tractor and machinery safety committee of ISASH. Mr. Robertson discussed strategies and innovations of all-terrain vehicles (ATV) safety in the workplace in Australia. The University of New South Wales analyzed the fatality data, citing rollover and pinning as the most frequent characteristics of ATV related fatalities on farms. Staff also had a chance to inform Robertson of the services and goals of AgrAbility. Staff learned new methods in how Robertson and his team brought awareness to safety in agriculture. One of their most popular protection equipment is a lightweight helmet with a brim that users can take on and off. This helps reduce risk of skin cancer while keeping riders safe. Check it out here!

California AgrAbility staff was invited to join the Master Food Preservers at the Madera County Fairgrounds Youth Camp. Madera is in California's Central Valley, an agricultural town with many orchards in the area. Staff spoke to parents about farming safety and AgrAbility services during pick-up and mid-day drop-off times. A total of 30 parents were reached.

Submitted by Kevin Coral