Rural Agricultural Health and Safety – Resources
Selected recent or important resources focusing on Rural Agricultural Health and Safety.
Agricultural Stakeholders' Perceptions of Occupational Health and Safety in the Southeastern U.S. Coastal States
Highlights the perception of eleven agricultural professionals in the southeast on the current state of agricultural health and safety. Discusses a number of factors affecting health and safety of agricultural workers, such as healthcare access, economic and labor issues, and cultural competency, among others. Features information pertaining to worker safety during COVID-19.
Author(s): Tracy Irani, Beatrice Fenelon Pierre, Tyler S. Nesbit
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(12), 6605
Date: 06/2021
view details
Highlights the perception of eleven agricultural professionals in the southeast on the current state of agricultural health and safety. Discusses a number of factors affecting health and safety of agricultural workers, such as healthcare access, economic and labor issues, and cultural competency, among others. Features information pertaining to worker safety during COVID-19.
Author(s): Tracy Irani, Beatrice Fenelon Pierre, Tyler S. Nesbit
Citation: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(12), 6605
Date: 06/2021
view details
Essentially Unprotected: A Focus on Farmworker Health Laws and Policies Addressing Pesticide Exposure and Heat-Related Illness
Report highlights laws and policies that protect farmworkers from heat- and pesticide-related illnesses. Breaks down both federal and state laws in place to protect farmworkers and makes recommendations.
Author(s): Laurie J. Beyranevand, Lihlani Skipper Nelson, Sarah Goldman, et al.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Center for a Livable Future, Vermont Law School's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems
view details
Report highlights laws and policies that protect farmworkers from heat- and pesticide-related illnesses. Breaks down both federal and state laws in place to protect farmworkers and makes recommendations.
Author(s): Laurie J. Beyranevand, Lihlani Skipper Nelson, Sarah Goldman, et al.
Date: 05/2021
Sponsoring organizations: Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, The Center for a Livable Future, Vermont Law School's Center for Agriculture and Food Systems
view details
Development of an Educational YouTube Channel: A Collaboration Between U.S. Agricultural Safety and Health Centers
Details the development of a YouTube channel for the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Centers (AFF Centers) to raise awareness and prevent injuries and illnesses for agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture-based workers. Details the development of the channel from the planning, production, marketing and promotion of the videos through the AFF Centers.
Author(s): Amanda Wickman, Ellen Duysen, Marsha Cheyney, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agromedicine, 26(1), 75-84
Date: 04/2021
view details
Details the development of a YouTube channel for the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Centers (AFF Centers) to raise awareness and prevent injuries and illnesses for agricultural, forestry, and aquaculture-based workers. Details the development of the channel from the planning, production, marketing and promotion of the videos through the AFF Centers.
Author(s): Amanda Wickman, Ellen Duysen, Marsha Cheyney, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agromedicine, 26(1), 75-84
Date: 04/2021
view details
Extreme Weather Events - Perspectives & Safety Impacts in Agriculture
Highlights the experiences of agricultural workers and employers on the effect of extreme weather on the health and wellness of agricultural workers. Discusses the challenges and precautions of working in extreme heat, dust, and wildfires, among other elements.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
view details
Highlights the experiences of agricultural workers and employers on the effect of extreme weather on the health and wellness of agricultural workers. Discusses the challenges and precautions of working in extreme heat, dust, and wildfires, among other elements.
Date: 03/2021
Sponsoring organization: Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
view details
Pesticide Exposure and Incident Thyroid Cancer Among Male Pesticide Applicators in Agricultural Health Study
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
view details
Analyzed 53,096 male pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina from the Agricultural Health Study (AHS) for incidences of thyroid cancer. Participants were surveyed at enrollment in the study between 1993 and 1997 and then interviewed again between 1999 and 2005. Data show incidences of thyroid cancer with a break down of age, state, production type, and more. Also shows association between thyroid cancer risk and long-term use of pesticides.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Laura E. Beane Freeman, Curt T. DellaValle, et al.
Citation: Environmental International 146 (2021), 106187
Date: 01/2021
view details
Safety Guidelines for Youth Operating Farm Equipment
Report highlights safety measures for youth ages 15-17 operating farm equipment. Details information on farm equipment hazards and risks for young workers, as well as federal and state regulations. Presents guidelines for the safe use of various forms of farm equipment by young workers.
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
view details
Report highlights safety measures for youth ages 15-17 operating farm equipment. Details information on farm equipment hazards and risks for young workers, as well as federal and state regulations. Presents guidelines for the safe use of various forms of farm equipment by young workers.
Date: 10/2020
Sponsoring organization: National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety
view details
Dicamba Use and Cancer Incidence in the Agricultural Health Study: An Updated Analysis
Highlights a study on the connection between colon and lung cancers in farmers and farmworkers and use of the herbicide dicamba. Draws data from the Agricultural Health Study and breaks it down by age, crops/animals produced, and other pesticides used, among other measures.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Jonathan N. Hofmann, Gabriella Andreotti, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Epidemiology, 49(4), 1326-1337
Date: 08/2020
view details
Highlights a study on the connection between colon and lung cancers in farmers and farmworkers and use of the herbicide dicamba. Draws data from the Agricultural Health Study and breaks it down by age, crops/animals produced, and other pesticides used, among other measures.
Author(s): Catherine C. Lerro, Jonathan N. Hofmann, Gabriella Andreotti, et al.
Citation: International Journal of Epidemiology, 49(4), 1326-1337
Date: 08/2020
view details
Assessing Health and Safety Concerns and Psychological Stressors among Agricultural Workers in the U.S. Midwest
Results of a 2018 study of 540 farmers in Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska, identifying agricultural work stressors including chemical and equipment safety, finances, and health concerns such as hearing loss, respiratory problems, depression, and acute illnesses. Examines differences between mail and in-person survey modes, and compares their effectiveness in promoting farm workers' willingness to participate in the surveys. Features demographics and statistics on the types of stress experienced.
Author(s): Kanika Arora, Marsha Cheyney, Fredric Gerr, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 26(1), 45-58
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
view details
Results of a 2018 study of 540 farmers in Iowa, Ohio, Missouri, Minnesota, and Nebraska, identifying agricultural work stressors including chemical and equipment safety, finances, and health concerns such as hearing loss, respiratory problems, depression, and acute illnesses. Examines differences between mail and in-person survey modes, and compares their effectiveness in promoting farm workers' willingness to participate in the surveys. Features demographics and statistics on the types of stress experienced.
Author(s): Kanika Arora, Marsha Cheyney, Fredric Gerr, et al.
Citation: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 26(1), 45-58
Date: 01/2020
Sponsoring organization: American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers
view details
Overall and Cause-specific Mortality in a Cohort of Farmers and Their Spouses
Highlights a study examining the overall mortality rates of farmers and their families that participated in the Agricultural Health Survey in Iowa and North Carolina. Details participants by age, sex, education and smoking status, among other factors. Compares mortality rates to the general population.
Author(s): Srishti Shrestha, Christine G. Parks, Alexander P. Keil, et al.
Citation: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 76(9), 632-643
Date: 09/2019
view details
Highlights a study examining the overall mortality rates of farmers and their families that participated in the Agricultural Health Survey in Iowa and North Carolina. Details participants by age, sex, education and smoking status, among other factors. Compares mortality rates to the general population.
Author(s): Srishti Shrestha, Christine G. Parks, Alexander P. Keil, et al.
Citation: Occupational and Environmental Medicine, 76(9), 632-643
Date: 09/2019
view details
Public Health Application of Predictive Modeling: An Example from Farm Vehicle Crashes
Estimates the risk of injury or death for farm vehicle accidents using predictive modeling for different scenarios. Identifies how the model could be used to improve public health.
Author(s): Shabbar I. Ranapurwala, Joseph E. Cavanaugh, Tracy Young, et al.
Citation: Injury Epidemiology, 6(31)
Date: 06/2019
view details
Estimates the risk of injury or death for farm vehicle accidents using predictive modeling for different scenarios. Identifies how the model could be used to improve public health.
Author(s): Shabbar I. Ranapurwala, Joseph E. Cavanaugh, Tracy Young, et al.
Citation: Injury Epidemiology, 6(31)
Date: 06/2019
view details
Additional resources are available related to this guide. See the full list of resources by topic for:
Last Updated: 10/13/2025

