ANGELICA, N.Y. — Each year the news media reports on farm deaths caused by a tractor rollovers or machinery accidents involving power take off shafts, drive chains, pulleys and v-belts. As home owners purchase larger and faster lawn and garden equipment, there has been an increase in the number of equipment related injuries around home. A 4-H and FFA sponsored Tractor and Machinery Safety Certification Training was held at the Allegany County Fairgrounds in Angelica, NY on June 20-22, 2018.
Youth from 14 to 16 years of age can gain certification which legally enables their employment on working farms. While the certification is not required for youth working on their family farm, Cooperative Extension educators find many farm owners seek out the training for their children calling the class a valuable educational experience. As one farmer put it, “maybe a busy working dad isn’t the best one to cover safety training.” Some parents and employers have given credit to the newly trained employee for pointing out areas of concern or hidden dangers around the farm.
Special thanks to Lamb & Webster Inc. – Springville, NY and Larry Romance and Son, Inc. – Arcade, NY for providing tractors for students to use during the training. New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & Health (NYCAMH) staff member Martin Krause for his visual demonstrations that reinforces the safety concepts. To Cuba Rushford and Fillmore School Districts for support through their FFA programs; providing instruction from teachers Pat Ploetz and Tanya Nickerson. And to the Allegany County Agricultural Society for use of their grounds.
This year we had 14 successful candidates take the training. They will be eligible to enter the Tractor Operators’ contest at the Allegany County Fair on Tuesday, July 17th at 9:30 AM. County winners may be considered for competition at Empire Farm Days in August.
Contact Lynn Bliven, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County at (585) 268-7644 ext. 18 or lao3@cornell.edu for more information on tractor safety or other safety and educational programs available in our community.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County
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