What is Certified Safe Farm?

Certified Safe Farm is a program that was developed and proven effective through a decade of research by Iowa’s Center for Agricultural Safety and Health. During 2009-2012, the programs were adapted to North Carolina agriculture through a pilot program funded by the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund Commission.

 

Certified Safe Farm brings together:

• On-farm safety reviews
• Occupational health screenings by AgriSafe
• Education
• Incentives

 

Why?

Farming is a very dangerous occupation. Agriculture has the highest death rate compared to any other industry — eight times the average. It has been shown that farmers have more lung health problems, higher rates of some cancers, high blood pressure and obesity.

 

Certified Safe Farm benefits

• Lower insurance costs
• Lower health costs
• Fewer injuries
• Better health
• Fewer lost work days
• A safer farm

 

How Do I Become a Certified Safe Farm?

1. Schedule an on-farm safety review with Extension agents.

Agents follow a safety checklist that scores each area of the farm. As they walk around the farm, they look at equipment, storage structures, livestock structures (following biosecurity), machine shop and repair areas and greenhouses.

 

2. Complete a comprehensive health screening.

This health screening is conducted by an AgriSafe nurse who looks at the health issues that are most common among farmers and considers the types of on-the-job exposures one may have. The health screening is low-cost — only $10 a person — a fraction of the actual cost of about $200. Depending on the assessment, the nurse may recommend that a follow-up with a doctor. The nurse can also help with respirator fit testing.

 

3. Make safety and health improvements: apply for cost-share funds.

A simple, one-page cost-share application is available to help make the recommended safety or health improvements that are most important. The maximum cost-share from the N.C. Tobacco Trust Fund grant is $500.

 

4. Proudly display your sign.

After completing the program with a safety score of 85 percent or higher, a heavy-duty outdoor sign with the farm name on it will be provided.

For more information, visit https://appliedecology.cals.ncsu.edu/certified-safe-farm.