FAST Focus Areas
As part of the Harwood Grant proposal, four training modules are planned for 2020-2021. These topic areas represent an opportunity for rapidly impacting fatalities, injuries, and illnesses among farm workers.
ATVs are one of the most common, and most dangerous, pieces of equipment on today's farm. An average of 500 persons die, and another 100,000 are seriously injured each year while operating ATVs.
Falls were the second leading cause of fatalities in farming and agricultural workers in 2019. Falls are especially dangerous to workers over the age of 55, accounting for 52% of fatal falls in 2019.
Standards involving hazardous chemicals and an employee's "right-to-know" are the most-frequently cited in farming and agriculture. Of 281 citations issued by OSHA in 2018, 47 involved the HazCom standard.
Employers are required by the OSH Act of 1970 to provide a safe and healthful workplace. When inspections of farming and agricultural operations occur, citations are typically issued. An average of 2.87 citations per inspection, with an average assessed financial penalty of $3,290 per citation.