NYCAMH Offers Support for Farmers Facing Physical and Safety Challenges

With more than 100 agricultural workers injured every day and seven out of ten farms shuttered within five years of a serious accident, the risks are clear — but so is the help.

Farming remains one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., and unlike many industries, farms present a unique risk to family members who often live and work on-site. Nationwide, more than 100 agricultural workers suffer lost work-time injuries every day, resulting in an annual cost of $8.3 billion in medical expenses and lost productivity. Tragically, seven out of ten farms go out of business within five years of a serious accident.

This is where organizations like the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) play a critical role. Founded in the early 1980s by Dr. John May and Dr. David Pratt, NYCAMH is dedicated to improving the health of agricultural workers and enhancing safety on New York farms.

Dr. May’s commitment to farmers’ safety led to the creation of the John May Farm Safety Fund, which assists small and medium-sized farms in New York with necessary safety improvements. To date, NYCAMH has funded 322 safety projects, disbursing $1,315,000 to New York farms.

The John May Farm Safety Fund provides matching funds of up to $5,000 for repairs and upgrades that improve workplace safety. Farmers pay half the cost, and NYCAMH covers the rest, making it easier to invest in safety enhancements, such as equipment modifications or structural repairs. To qualify, farms must have an annual gross revenue between $10,000 to $1,000,000, in keeping with NYCAMH’s mission to serve the most in-need farmers.

“Safety improvements should be affordable and attainable for all farmers. That’s why we’re proud of the John May Farm Safety Fund — it helps farmers invest in the long-term safety of their operations,” said NYCAMH’s Heather Chauncey, a clinical case manager.

NYCAMH also offers tailored farm safety training to address the specific needs of each operation. These training sessions, available in both English and Spanish, cover topics such as equipment operation, animal handling, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Training can be conducted in person or virtually, with many sessions fulfilling regulatory requirements.

Jim Carrabba, Agricultural Safety Specialist for NYCMAH, demonstrates how to safely interact with a power take off, or PTO, spindle on a tractor, one of the leading causes of farm injury.

Farm safety walkthroughs, conducted by NYCAMH’s agricultural safety specialists, offer comprehensive on-farm safety reviews, helping farmers identify potential hazards and develop strategies to reduce injury risks. NYCAMH also provides technical assistance to address questions about equipment safety and workplace hazards.

One of NYCAMH’s newest initiatives is the Farm Services Navigator, a role created to help farmers access resources and develop safety protocols tailored to their specific needs. Christina Day, who took on the role a year ago, explained, “I help farmers connect with or discover the resources or services they need—both internally at NYCAMH and through external organizations and service providers.”

A recent example of this work can be seen in her collaboration with a New York dairy farm.

“After NYCAMH staff conducted a farm walkthrough, I sat down with their management team to review the report and identify the improvements they wanted to prioritize. We’ve been meeting regularly to move those improvements forward,” Day explained. “This hands-on approach ensures that services meet farmers’ needs effectively. My role is to help farms not only meet their immediate health and safety goals but also provide feedback to NYCAMH on where we can improve our services or address gaps in support.”

Jim talks with a farmer during a farm visit and safety assessment, something NYCAMH offers free of charge to New York State farmers. Image provided by NYCAMH

In addition to its financial support programs, NYCAMH participates in research aimed at improving safety on farms. Through partnerships with organizations like the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Northeast Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (NEC), NYCAMH helps develop innovative tools and strategies to reduce risks in farming. The organization’s commitment to staying ahead of emerging hazards ensures its programs remain relevant as farming practices evolve.

“Our partnerships with other safety organizations allow us to offer comprehensive support to farmers and continue developing new solutions to old problems,” said Boyer

Tractor rollovers remain the leading cause of death on farms, and NYCAMH’s National Rollover Protective Structure (ROPS) Rebate Program provides rebates to help farmers purchase and install ROPS on older tractors. ROPS systems, especially when used with seat belts, are 99% effective in preventing serious injury or death in the event of an overturn. For farmers with physical challenges, upgrading to ROPS offers peace of mind and critical protection.

For farmers exposed to respiratory hazards, NYCAMH provides fit testing and respiratory protection services, offering medical clearance, usage training, and maintenance guidance to ensure proper use of respirators. Additionally, NYCAMH offers high-quality, low-cost PPE, including hearing and eye protection, chemical protection gear, and more, to keep farmers safe while they work.

NYCAMH’s occupational health clinic offers exams designed to prevent, diagnose, and treat health issues related to farm work. Farmers can receive hearing tests, DOT physicals, and other health services to manage the physical demands of their profession. Aware of the mental strain farming can cause, NYCAMH also connects farmers with mental health resources to ensure their overall well-being.

“The mental strain that comes with farming is just as significant as the physical risks. We’re here to support farmers on all fronts, ensuring their health and well-being,” Chauncey added.

NYCAMH’s mission is to enhance agricultural and rural health by preventing and treating occupational injuries and illnesses. The organization is funded through a combination of state and federal programs, allowing it to offer most services at no cost to farmers.

“Being a non-profit, no-regulatory organization, NYCAMH is unique in that we truly are here to help. If we don’t have a specific program that can help you, we can steer you to someone who can,” said Pauline Boyer, NYCAMH’s Outreach and Education Supervisor.

For more information on how NYCAMH can assist farmers with physical challenges or to schedule a farm safety assessment or training, visit nycamh.org or call 800-343-7527. To apply for the John May Farm Safety Fund, visit: www.nycamh.org/johnmayfund.