Overview | In Focus | Funding | Partners | Events | Results/Impacts | Resources | Contacts

Overview

Agriculture is one of the world's most dangerous professions, second only to mining. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), there are 600 farm-related fatalities and 200,000 farm-related injuries in the United States annually. In addition, agriculture, like all economic sectors, needs a skilled workforce that keeps pace with modern technology and skills. Agricultural workers must keep their knowledge and skills current to remain economically competitive and safe in an often economically and physically challenging agricultural work environment. CSREES invests in occupational safety and health and workforce development applied research and outreach efforts. These result in greater vocational skills, sensitize workers to workplace hazards, teach them ways to avoid these hazards, help those with disabilities remain employed, and help ensure equal access to the agriculture profession for all workers, regardless of background or ability.

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In Focus

• CSREES funds applied research that investigates injury, illness, and fatality prevention measures among production agriculture workers.
• CSREES funds the AgrAbility Program through state partners who supply vital education, assistance, and support to agricultural workers with disabilities.

Partnerships

• CSREES leads a National Workforce Development Program and co-chairs a National Workforce Development Team of federal and land-grant partners.
• CSREES participates in regional partnership development meetings and funds farm safety initiatives in states and territories.
• CSREES provides leadership and funding for a National AgrAbility Project through the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Easter Seals.

Events

• 2004 National AgrAbility Project Training Workshop, Springfield, IL, November 16-19, 2004.

Selected Results and Impacts

• CSREES has invested in many research and development projects related to agricultural occupational safety and health.
• CSREES provides leadership in rural workforce development.
• Through health studies and the development of assistive technologies, CSREES research and development funds have affected people with disabilities.

Resources

• National Workforce Assistance Collaborative, U.S. Department of Labor. Employee training, partners, and other information for small and mid-sized businesses.
• Office of Extramural Programs, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Training, grants, and more.
• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, U.S. Department of Education. Information about discretionary grant, training, and other programs.


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Contacts

Bradley Rein

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