M.J.
Fleming, B. Slabaugh-Wengerd and P.
Fornshell
NIOSH Education and Information Division
The
Occupational Health Nurses in Agricultural Communities (OHNAC)
project is a case-based surveillance system. Through it, a
number of pesticide exposures were identified. At the same
time, farmers were asking about the new Worker Protection
Standard and county extension agents were requesting that
nurses present in the Pesticide Recertification Course. In
response, a multi-faceted approach was undertaken to address
these needs.
Two
case reports were published in The Ohio Farmer. As a result,
a number of farmers requested laboratory testing and/or medical
evaluations because of prior exposures. Educational materials,
demonstrations, case management and referrals have been provided
as appropriate.
To improve
compliance with the Worker Protection Standard, communities
developed kits to reduce the risk when accidental spills occurred.
In Southwestern Ohio, Landmark provided kits with personal
protective equipment and decontamination supplies. In North
Central Ohio, a kit was developed with first aid items and
decontamination supplies. Generous donations of local agricultural
businesses reduced the final cost to farmers.
Educational
segments were developed for the Pesticide Recertification
Courses. Demonstrations on the use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE) included how to remove protective gear without
contaminating oneself.
These
interventions were designed to reduce the exposure and disability
that might occur from agricultural pesticide usage. Evaluation
so far includes one farmer who has already used the eyewash
in the field when a chemical splash occurred. An on-going
evaluation will be completed as farmers return enclosed post
cards indicating how they used the kit and what additional
items are needed.
Disclaimer
and Reproduction Information: Information in NASD does not
represent NIOSH policy. Information included in NASD appears
by permission of the author and/or copyright holder. More
NASD Review: 04/2002
This
research abstract was extracted from a portion of the proceedings
of "Agricultural Safety and Health: Detection, Prevention
and Intervention," a conference presented by the Ohio State
University and the Ohio Department of Health, sponsored by
the Centers for Disease Control/National Institute for Occupational
Safety and Health.
M.J.
Fleming, Grady Mem. Hospital, Delaware, OH; B. Slabaugh-Wengerd,
Wooster Comm. Hospital, Wooster, OH; P. Fornshell, Clinton
Memorial Hospital, Wilmington, OH.
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