Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), or white finger syndrome, is a com-
mon problem among forestry workers. NIOSH studies demonstrated the strength
of association between the use of chain saws and HAVS (NIOSH, 1997b), leading
scientists and engineers in manufacturing companies to develop anti-vibration
devices that could be mounted in chain saw engines to reduce vibration transfer-
ence from engine to handle. NIOSH researchers also studied the problem on a
global scale and saw a decreased prevalence of HAVS symptoms in Finnish and
Japanese forestry workers following the introduction of light-weight, low-vibration
chain saws (Futatsuka and Uneno, 1985a, 1985b; Koskimies et al., 1992; NIOSH,
1997b).
Contributions of Extramural Research
Information related to hazards encountered by AFF workers is of critical im-
portance to efforts designed to protect those workers. With the support of AFF Pro-
gram funding, the Farm Family Health and Hazard Surveillance (FFHHS) projects
continue to expand the knowledge base about health and hazards associated with
agriculture. Based on information from these projects, AFF Program staff system-
atically developed and widely disseminated training materials for conducting safety
“walk-throughs.” The Occupational Health Nurses in Agricultural Communities
(OHNAC) program, another extramural program, developed important training
for nurses in rural areas and provided many alerts to agricultural workers. A num-
ber of the Education and Research Centers (ERCs) continue to provide training in
agricultural safety and health for occupational safety and health professionals.
Contributions of NIOSH Ag Centers
The NIOSH Ag Centers are an invaluable component of the AFF Program and
have contributed to its successes. The Ag Centers serve as a national resource for
addressing agricultural safety and health problems through research, education,
prevention, and intervention. The regional nature of the centers allows research
to be focused, targeted, and relevant to U.S. worker populations. The centers are
based in university settings, enabling researchers to draw on university resources.
Overall, the Ag Centers have methodically carried out and encompassed the neces-
sary components of an occupational safety and health research program: surveil-
lance, research in various subject areas, partnerships and collaborations with state
and local stakeholders, and information dissemination. Nearly one-third of the
research conducted by the AFF Program was conducted through the Ag Centers,
and the centers have strategically addressed issues that affect various populations.
Examples of these components include the following:
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