Farm S.O.S (Strategies On Safety)

FARM S.O.S (Strategies On Safety) was developed as an agricultural safety education programming resource. The  topics listed below contain a useable presentation with speaker notes. Supplemental videos and brief video messages are also available for certain topics.

Target Audience- The Farm SOS series was developed as training resources for farmers, farm families and employees.

Curriculum-  Click on the topic name you wish to download.  Topics with a (*) also have available a short video to use as an introduction to the presentation or as a brief educational message. These video clips take a lighthearted approach to a serious farm topic. 

      All Shook Up- Includes an overview of vibrations, and information on the risks involved, how to recognize symptoms and how to prevent or reduce injuries.

     Beyond the Wheel*- This presentation explains the hazards related to tractor rollovers, run-over’s, PTO’s (Power Take Off) along with discussing tractor lighting and marking and roadway safety. (YouTube Video)

     Consumed by the Fumes*- A description of the respiratory concerns and hazardous atmospheres you may encounter on a farm as well as give tips on how to decrease exposure and measure gas levels. (YouTube Video)

     Danger: No Entry*- An overview of a confined space, the types of confined spaces you might find on a farm, hazards that exist and how to manage/reduce the risks associated with these areas.  (Confined Space YouTube Video) An additional portion discusses Lock Out/ Tag Out practices.  (YouTube Video)

     Down on the Farm- Includes an overview of the injuries related to working with livestock, animal behavior traits and characteristics, warning signs of irritated animals, appropriate ways to approach livestock, proper care of livestock, and the safety precautions to take around livestock.

     Health Hazard- Provides an introduction to pesticides, common chemicals you may encounter on a farm, an overview of chronic and acute toxicity, different routes of exposure and how to protect yourself. The module also focuses on the proper storage and disposal of pesticides.

     On the Ground- Discusses the hazards of the eight points of peril (wrap, pinch, cut, free wheeling parts, burn, crush, thrown objects, and stored energy), demonstrates reaction time and ways to reduce agricultural equipment related injuries.

     Particles in the Air*- Provides an overview of dust, types of dust, respiratory conditions, and proper personal protective equipment (PPE) facing a person working in dusty conditions.  (YouTube Video)

     Protecting your Ears- Addresses how noise is measured, how to reduce noise hazards, the proper protection needed, prevention against hearing loss, and the signs that might indicate you need medical attention.

     Riding Smart*- A glimpse at the characteristics, uses, operation practices, and hazards of ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) and UTVs (Utility Type Vehicle), as well as the safety gear needed when operating an ATV or UTV.  (YouTube Video)  A indepth video discussing the proper use of an ATV in agriculture is available for purchase through OSU estores. Click here for the link.

     Sharing the Road*- An overview of the risk factors that occur while operating machinery on roads, information on hazardous traffic patterns, SMV (Slow Moving Vehicle) emblems as well as local laws and regulations, closing distance, and proper lighting and marking schemes. (YouTube Video) Here a brief history on the development of the Slow Moving Vehicle, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IktZJ2kpFqM.

     Submerged- Focuses on the drowning hazards that exist on the farm, risk factors related to the hazards, and steps to reduce drowning incidents.

     Watch Your Step*- Discusses the contributing factors of most falls, various ways falls occur, and prevention strategies. (YouTube Video)

Curriculum Videos-
A general overview of farm hazards
ATV Safety
Dust Hazards
Grain Bin Awareness
Hazards of Clutter
Lock Out/ Tag Out
Manure Pit Confined Space
PTO Safety
Slow Moving Vehicle (SMV) Emblem

Evaluation- This evaluation can be used for each of the curriculum topics in the series.  Click here to upload a copy of the evaluation form

Funding - This program was developed by the Ohio State University, Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Agricultural Safety and Health Program with funding support from the U.S. Department of Agriculture-National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Rural Health and Safety grant number 2012-46100-2014.