Download Strebel, Rhonda - Safety is Part of your Health

Safety is Part
of your Health
Rhonda Strebel, BS, MBA
Executive Director
A Bridge to Improve and Sustain the Health & Safety of Farm Families
Eyes / Sight
Eyes
Eye injuries are the leading
cause of blindness among
farmers.
Did you Know?
•
Farmer’s eyes are the 2nd most frequently injured body part.
•
Over 90% of eye injury cases can be prevented with the use of
eye protection. (National Farm Medicine Center)
UV ray exposure can lead to cataract development and
eyelid skin cancers.
Eye injuries are more likely to occur when repairing farm
machinery than when operating it.
Most common causes of eye injuries are:
• Flying objects, including chemicals
• Dust particles
• Direct sun exposure
•
•
•
(National Farm Medicine Center)
Eyes / Sight
Simple Solution
Click here for Source (picture)
Click here for Source (picture)
Ears / Hearing
Ears & Hearing
Exposure to noise can cause
permanent hearing loss.
• Noise is measured in
decibels (dB)
• Noise above 85 dB can cause
hearing loss and tinnitus(ringing
in the ears)
Level of Danger
Decibels (range)
Safe
0 – 70
Dangerous
85 and Higher
Very Dangerous
120 – 140
Ears / Hearing
Common Farm Noises
Source (statistics and illustration):
The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of
Center of Disease Control and
Prevention(CDC)
Ears / Hearing
Way to Protect your Ears
from Damaging Noise
Limit Length of time in elevated
noise area
Use a barrier to noise such as:
• Ear Muffs
• Ear Plugs
Download an app on your
smartphone to check decibel levels
•
•
•
dB Volume Meter (for iPhone)
TooLoud? (for iPhone)
deciBel (for Android)
Ears / Hearing
How to Properly Insert
Ear Plugs
For each ear plug:
1. Roll the formable plug between your
thumb and forefinger(s) to compress it into
a small, smooth, round, cylinder.
2. Reach over top of your head and pull up
or back on the top of your ear. This straightens
3.
4.
out your ear canal so the plugs can go in far enough.
Insert tightly rolled plug into straightened
ear canal.
Hold each ear plug in place for a few
minutes.
Source (Illustrations): Hearos Ear Plugs
Source (Instructions): The National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of Center of Disease Control
and Prevention(CDC)
Nose & Throat
Respiratory Health
Nose & Throat
Ever felt like this after extra heavy
dust exposure, such as cleaning a
grain bin, moving or sorting hogs,
or opening a silo?
Organic Dust Toxic Syndrome (ODTS)
Potentially severe flu-like syndrome originally described in
farmers, mushroom workers, bird breeders and other persons
occupationally exposed to dusty conditions. (Wikipedia)
Symptoms:
•
•
•
•
Shivering
Muscle or joint aches
Chest tightness
Headache
•
•
•
•
Dry Cough
• Wheezing chest
Chest tightness
• Sinus problems
Cough w/ phlegm • Stuffy nose
Throat irritation
Nose & Throat
Respiratory Protection
Wear respiratory protection
when working among dusty environments, including:
•
•
•
•
Silo or grain dust
Feeding livestock
Power washing/disinfecting
Handling grain/grinding feed
N95 Two Strap Particulate Mask
•
•
Keeps dust and other particulates out of the
nose and throat.
2 strap design is important for a good seal to the face
Did you Know?
• Pork Producers are twice as likely to experience
respiratory issues (National Farm Medicine Center).
Skin Safety
Skin
Did you Know?
•
1 million people are diagnosed
each year with skin cancer (National
Farm Medicine Center)
•
Melanoma is the most serious.
Questions for You
•
Do you have any pigmented spots that have changed in size,
color, shape, or thickness recently?
•
Are there any areas on your skin which bleed or will not heal?
Skin Safety
Ways to Protect Your Skin
When outside:
• Wear long sleeves when in
the sun
• Use hat with wide brim in the
summer
• Use sunscreen
• Limit exposure time
Thank You.
Thank You for your time.
Questions?
Connect with
Website
www.wiruralhealth.org
Facebook
Rural Health Initiative
Email
[email protected]
Phone
(715) 524-1488
Address
100 County Road B
Shawano, WI 54166
Mission: A Bridge to Improve and Sustain the Health & Safety of Farm Families