AGRICULTURAL SAFETY

Developing a Fall Arrest System for Grain Bins
R. A. Aherin,Principal Investigator G. L. Riskowski
U.S. Department of Agriculture HATCH Funds

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 will be designed and tested during the coming year.

Disabled Farmers Project

R. A. AherinPrincipal Investigator
University of Illinois; U.S. Department of Agriculture

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.

Illinois Farm Safety and Health Community Development Project

R. A. AherinPrincipal Investigator
University of Illinois; W. K. Kellogg Foundation

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 six 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.

Reducing Fatality Risk from Livestock Manure Storage

R. A. AherinPrincipal Investigator
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; National Farm Medicine Center

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 and evaluate the capability of the most promising technology to function in livestock environments; (4) evaluate the current safe work behavior by swine confinement workers; and (5) develop safety procedures and effective safety educational training materials for people working in and around manure pits.

Using Sensors to Detect Potentially Hazardous Atmospheres in Production Agriculture

R. A. Aherin,Principal Investigator L. L. Christianson, G. L. Riskowski, R. E. Fonner
U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Library

The primary goal of the project was to identify current sensor technology that may have practical application in detecting toxic atmospheres within confined spaces that are found on farms. This project involved 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. The final report identifies sensors that have the greatest potential for utilization in agricultural confined spaces. The final report is scheduled to be released by the USDA in early 1997.