UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- A safety expert in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences recommends that farm families evaluate safety concerns for younger workers this spring.

In 2000, 22 percent of farm-related fatalities in Pennsylvania affected youth age 19 or younger. "On a farm, work, living and recreation areas overlap," says Dennis Murphy, professor of agricultural engineering. "Children as young as two years of age often are exposed to operating machinery."

Agriculture is the state's largest industry, with some 59,000 farms, of which nearly 90 percent are family-owned. "Labor often is supplied by children, a spouse and perhaps older or temporary workers," explains Murphy. "Farms are usually small operations that are not regulated by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. The work often is done in a variety of conditions, ranging from extreme heat to extreme cold, in rain, sleet, snow or mud."

A survey taken in New York found that most families stopped operating their farm within five years of a fatal farm accident. "The aftermath of an accident can leave relatives devastated both emotionally and financially," Murphy says.

National Safety Council statistics show that tractor rollover, truck-related injuries, machinery entanglements and drowning are the leading causes of death for agricultural workers under age 25.

Murphy says Penn State Cooperative Extension offers many programs to teach younger workers about farm safety. Many of Pennsylvania's 67 county cooperative extension offices hold farm safety camps on a regular basis. Other counties have instituted special programs aimed at younger workers, including a tractor driving safety course.

"Make sure tasks are appropriate for a younger person," Murphy says. "Pay particular attention to youths operating farm equipment, handling agricultural chemicals and working with livestock." Murphy points out that younger farm workers also are at risk when taking part in rural leisure activities such as swimming or driving all-terrain vehicles.

Murphy cites preventative measures recommended by the National Safety Council for young farm workers:

--Equip all tractors with a rollover protective structure and wear a seatbelt when operating tractors.

--Never carry riders on tractors or equipment and never ride as a passenger on a tractor or equipment.

--Maintain all farm vehicles and wear seatbelts while operating them.

--Review the operating manual before operating any equipment.

--Parents and young workers should attend training on safe and healthy work practices.

--Stay out of farm ponds and other bodies of water unless they are posted as safe swimming areas. Always swim with at least one other person.

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EDITORS: Dennis Murphy can be contacted at 814-865 7157 or djm13@psu.edu.

Contact: Jeff Mulhollem jjm29@psu.edu 814-863-2719 814-865-1068 fax #166