Occupational Injury Resource for Agriculture

The National Farm Medicine Center established in 1981 initially focused on addressing occupational health, injuries, and illnesses unique to farming. Over the years, it has evolved into a comprehensive safety and health resource for farmers and ranchers. Scott Heiberger, communications manager highlights the center's mission and ongoing efforts.

“We now have within our center a National Children's Center for rural and agricultural health and safety. We've had that for more than 30 years, almost 30 years, I'm sorry, and that looks at injuries and illnesses related to kids on farms, whether they're working or not working. Other areas of safety we've gotten into we look at mental health. We've had some projects involving that. We have projects involving emergency response, working with volunteer firefighters to keep them safer when they respond to an agricultural emergency. If they're not familiar with a farm setting and farm equipment, we train them to go in so that they're safer and the farm farmer is safer.”

“According to their website page, The National Farm Medicine center applies research to help ensure the success of every type of agricultural operation. They provide resources and information that can help prevent injuries in one of the most hazardous industries, which is agriculture. Of the things our scientists and staff focus on is injury prevention and surveillance, community outreach and education, and mental well-being.