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Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer

Every year in the United States hundreds of people perish, and tens of thousands are treated in emergency rooms for accidental carbon monoxide poisoning. In recent weeks, there have been reports both locally and nationally where carbon monoxide poisoning has been the cause for tragedies that could have been avoided with awareness, and preparation.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas released from incomplete combustion of fuels from man-made sources, such as vehicle engines, and from natural occurrences such as forest and brush fires. It is nearly undetectable by humans because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.

Dangers

Carbon monoxide, when inhaled, prevents oxygen from attaching to the blood, and disrupts the release of oxygen already in the blood, preventing oxygen from entering tissues. This severely effects the organs that need oxygen the most like our brains and hearts. Immediate medical treatment is critical. Even low doses of carbon monoxide over a period of time will produce symptoms that mimic a cold or flulike symptoms. If you feel better once you are away from the enclosed area (home or workspace) carbon monoxide poisoning should be considered.

If you witness someone suffering from any of these symptoms, CALL 911, and use extreme caution so you too do not become a victim.

Altered level of consciousness
Confusion
Dizziness
Fatigue
Headache
Impaired judgement
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures

Sources

Machinery and vehicles with engines.
Fuel burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, stoves, and fireplaces.
Gas, oil, and propane fired space heaters.

Prevention

Proper ventilation when using carbon monoxide producing appliances.
Never use cooking ovens or stovetops for home heating.
Have all heating systems and chimneys inspected and serviced annually.
Follow instructions and warnings for indoor heaters.
Do not run engines in a building without proper ventilation.

Detection

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) recommends carbon monoxide detectors be installed:

On every occupiable floor including the basement
In each bedroom, or outside the bedroom but within 15 feet of the bedroom door.
In every bedroom that contains a fuel burning appliance (fireplace, gas fired heater, etc.)
At a height of at least five feet from the ground or floor level
Always check for additional local requirements.

It is up to you to make carbon monoxide safety a priority – awareness and preparedness are the best defense against tragedy. Act now to ensure your family and employees are safe from this terrible threat.

Print these safety sheets from NFPA to increase awareness on your farm:

English

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – English

Spanish

NFPA CO Safety Sheet – Spanish

By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Carbon Monoxide: The Silent Killer appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

$600 COVID relief funds still available for farm employees

New York employers should direct employees to Pasa’s Farm and Food Workers Relief Program (farmworkers.com) to receive their $600 relief payment.

The U.S. Government budgeted $667 million in grant funding “to defray worker expenses incurred preparing for, preventing exposure to, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.” USDA distributed the funds to fourteen nonprofit organizations, find more details at this USDA site. The funds are supposed to be distributed to frontline farm and food employees who worked in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. For New York farmers, a trusted partner to direct employees to receive this payment is Pasa Sustainable Agriculture.

Pasa set up a dedicated website to administer the Farm and Food Workers Relief Program. NY employers should direct employees to this website farmworkers.com to access this payment if they are eligible. All details about eligibility and other matters can be found at the Pasa site, but it is minimal, consisting of photo identification and proof of employment.

Pasa’s team of Customer Support associates are available for assistance via email at support@pasafarming.org (English) and aypoyo@pasafarming.org (Español). You can also reach them via phone toll free at (833) 469-3397 during the following hours:

Monday, 4–8 pm (EDT)
Tuesday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm (EDT)
Wednesday, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm; 4–8 pm (EDT)

Pasa also developed a flyer about the program in English and Spanish, download here: Pasa FFWR Flyer – English – Spanish

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Logo

Webinar Focused on Farm Worker Safety During Extreme Heat Events: August 1 @1:00PM

NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND MARKETS JOINS NYCAMH FOR HEAT ILLNESS PRESENTATION

New York Center of Agricultural Medicine and Health Launching New Webinar Focused on Farm Worker Safety During Extreme Heat Events

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) today announced that they are hosting a new webinar for farm owners and workers focused on the prevention of heat illness. The webinar will take place on Thursday, August 1, 2024, from 1 to 2pm. The informational session will include presentations from experts from NYCAMH, Cornell University’s Workforce Development Program, and the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) program and will be moderated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

NYCAMH Deputy Director Dr. Erika Scott said, “The frequency of extreme heat events in our state is increasing, which puts workers at greater risk of heat-related illness. We want to ensure the agricultural industry has access the latest updates on the newly proposed federal heat rule along with practical heat-illness prevention strategies.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We’re pleased to support NYCAMH in this important educational opportunity. This summer has been exceptionally hot with temperatures expected to remain above normal for the rest of the season into the fall. It’s extremely important that the industry continues to be vigilant and take the necessary precautions during these extremely hot periods to ensure that all workers are doing all they can to stay safe.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat is increasing in the United States and is projected to be more frequent and intense. An extreme heat event/incident is often defined as three or more days with abnormally high heat exceeding 90 degrees.

The webinar will cover topics such as current and upcoming heat standards; new OSHA proposed rules and workforce considerations; signs, symptoms, and first aid for heat illness; and prevention strategies, including resources available to farm workers.

The webinar will conclude with a question-and-answer session. To register for the webinar, please visit this link.

NYCAMH, a program of Bassett Healthcare Network, is enhancing agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injury. With a $1.35 million investment through the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, as part of the 2024-25 New York State Budget, NYCAMH has been able to expand its services to the agricultural community this year.

This is the organization’s first funding increase in 15 years. The additional investment allows for continued stable operations, program expansion, and continued funding for popular farmer cost-sharing programs such as the John May Farm Safety Fund and the ROPS rebate program for tractor rollover bars.

For more information about NYCAMH and other farm safety services, please visit www.nycamh.org.

Crop inputs: are your employees getting enough?

Summer: that magical time of the year when crops are developing quickly, drawing farmers out to admire the productive beauty of spring’s work. The first signs of success or failure are becoming clear: tillage, seed selection, planter accuracy, fertility, weed control…all good? It’s amazing what can be learned through a bug-splattered windshield. To the significant others forced to go along, don’t be fooled. Checking fields in a truck that hasn’t been cleaned since before the last frost…is NOT a date. Get a rain check.

When was the last time you nosed your pickup into employee workspaces to make sure that they have the inputs they need to grow into the successful contributors your farm business depends on:

How well positioned is your farm business with leaders ready to lead through the challenges ahead?
Who is the emerging talent within your team with growth potential to fill those needs?
When will your business need those leaders ready to engage bigger roles ensuring your farm a future with stability and growth?
What training and development opportunities do you have in place to cultivate those key employees?

Those are hard questions. If we were still talking crop, by now you’d be calling your seed salesman or equipment dealer…we all know new paint always arrives with promise, regardless of color. In this case the first conversation you need to have is with those employees that will be the brace roots that anchor your farms future. Discuss with them what their short- and long-term career goals are, and what career opportunities and aspirations you have for them as a key member of your team.

The busy summer season is a great time to pull a “team sample” of where your workforce’s strengths and weaknesses are. Look for areas that could use a few more “units” of skills development. By evaluating now, plans can be made to take advantage of employee development opportunities in the upcoming off season. There are many that don’t come with the sticker shock of new iron; here are just a few to grow on:

On-line Certificate Programs: (Many available in English and Spanish)

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development – Agricultural Supervisory Leadership

Cornell Pro-Dairy Online Courses

Cornell Small Farms Courses & Trainings

Dairy Specialist Apprenticeship:

New York State Registered Dairy Specialist Apprenticeship-Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development

Safety Training:

NYCAMH On-Farm Safety Trainings

There are many programs available, not just about learning but mentorship and turning knowledge into practical skills that keep your best talent rooted in your farm. When your team sees that you’re invested in their growth, they’re more likely to stay and grow alongside your business. That means lower turnover, less time spent recruiting, and more time enjoying the fruits of your labor.

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By Jay Canzonier, Cornell University. Permission granted to repost, quote, and reprint with author attribution.
The post Crop inputs: are your employees getting enough? appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Dairy Industry Update – HPAI in Dairy Cows

A man working on a Colorado dairy tested positive for HPAI recently. Join this webinar to learn more about how to keep farm employees safe. Message below from the PRO-DAIRY e-Alert.

WEBINAR sponsored by NEDPA, NY Farm Bureau, PRO-DAIRY, AABP, NYS Ag & Markets, and NYS Conservation
Dairy Industry Update – HPAI in Dairy Cows
3:00 PM EST | July 10, 2024

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza virus remains a concern for New York farmers. New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) and Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA) are hosting a special webinar at 3:00 PM EST July 10 in collaboration with Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY. Panelists will feature experts from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and American Association of Bovine Practitioners. The goal is to provide current and recommendations to help guide management on the farm.

Panelists:

Robert Lynch, DVM, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
Joe Nelson, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Casey McCue, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Mike Capel, DVM, Perry Veterinary Clinic, President- American Association of Bovine Practitioners
NEDPA and NYFB staff

The webinar will be recorded and shared after the live session.