AGRICULTURAL SAFETY <TITLE> <CENTER><H3> AGRICULTURAL SAFETY </CENTER></H3> <P> Developing a Fall Arrest System for Grain Bins <BR> R. A. Aherin,* G. L. Riskowski <BR> <I> U.S. Department of Agriculture HATCH Funds <P> </I> The purpose of this research is to design and test a system(s) that can be incorporated into the design of existing and new grain bins that will prevent falls and suffocation of persons who enter grain bins on farms. The intent is to develop a system that will allow workers to accomplish needed tasks in a grain bin and also provide protection from falling through crusted over grain and suffocating or other fall-related injuries. A system has been designed and will be tested during the coming year. <BR><BR><HR> <P> <CENTER><H3> Disabled Farmers Project </CENTER></H3> <BR> R. A. Aherin* <BR> <I> University of Illinois; U.S. Department of Agriculture <P> </I> The primary objective of this project is to develop a model program that will provide comprehensive assistance to Illinois farmers with physical disabilities. This includes conducting research to identify the level of need for assistance among farmers in the state. <BR><BR><HR> <P> <CENTER><H3> Illinois Farm Safety and Health Community Development Project </CENTER></H3> <BR> R. A. Aherin* <BR> <I> University of Illinois; W. K. Kellogg Foundation <P> </I> The objective of this project is to develop a model program that empowers the community to be capable of identifying agricultural safety and health issues of concern and need; identifying and advancing appropriate intervention programs; and developing strategies to support the continuance of the program within the community. Currently there are seven demonstration counties, two major medical centers that serve as regional project sponsor, and a state project coalition consisting of representatives from the University of Illinois, state agencies, and organizations that have interest and responsibilities in the agricultural safety and health area. A comprehensive research evaluation program is being conducted to assess program process, implementation, and outcome. <BR><BR><HR> <CENTER><H3> Reducing Fatality Risk from Livestock Manure Storage <BR> </CENTER></H3> R. A. Aherin* <BR> <I> National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Farm Medicine Center <P> </I> This four-year project focuses on the following objectives: (1) understand the interaction of factors that promote gas production in manure pits that leads to dangerous situations; (2) develop potential control and management methods to reduce manure pit gas concentration; (3) review current sensor control technology with a view toward adapting, modifying, or developing a new sensor for monitoring gases in manure pits; (4) evaluate the current work behaviors by swine confinement workers; and (5) develop safety procedures and effective safety educational training materials for people working in and around manure pits. <BR><BR><HR> <P> <CENTER><H3> Using Sensors to Detect Potentially Hazardous Atmospheres in Production Agriculture </CENTER></H3> <BR> R. A. Aherin,* L. L. Christianson, G. L. Riskowski, R. E. Fonner <BR> <I> U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Library <P> </I> The primary goal of the project is to identify current sensor technology that may have practical application in detecting toxic atmospheres within confined spaces that are found on farms. Another purpose of the project is to make recommendations for needed research in this area. The final product will be a publication that will be published by USDA and distributed nationwide. This project involves an extensive review of the current sensor technology. This consisted of a worldwide literature review, contacting federal and private research centers and manufacturers of sensors. <P>