Month: August 2023

South Carolina AgrAbility

The vision of AgrAbility is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural workers with disabilities so that they, their families, and their communities continue to succeed in rural America. AgrAbility consists of the National AgrAbility Project (NAP) and State/Regional AgrAbility Projects (SRAPs). Both the NAP and all the SRAPs must be partnerships between a land grant university and at least one nonprofit disability organization (National AgrAbility, 2023).

AgrAbility South Carolina will support cross-training between Able SC and Extension agents from Clemson and South Carolina State for individuals with disabilities who engage in farming or farm-related occupations.

Getting Assistance
If you are an agricultural worker needing assistance, visit the South Carolina AgrAbility website for a full list of contacts. AgrAbility Projects generally do not provide direct funding to agricultural workers for adaptive equipment and other goods or services. Instead, such funding is often provided by state departments of vocational rehabilitation services (VR). Currently, Dr. Lance Beecher is the primary contact for AgrAbility assistance in South Carolina.

Ag Injury News

8/5/2023: Randall Man Dies After Tractor Strikes Propane Tank
8/1/2023: Young Girl Saves Grandfather’s Life Following 4-wheeler Crash in Franklin Parish, Louisiana
7/24/2023: 5-year-old dies after farming accident Monday in Little Britain Township [update]
7/22/2023: Hannibal boy seriously injured after tractor crash
7/20/2023: Yuma farmworker and father of 2 dies amid record heat wave
7/16/2023: Former Wyoming State Senator Crushed by 4,000-Pound Trailer
7/11/2023: 1 killed following tractor vs. train crash near Junction City

Questions

1. True or False: If you are bitten by a snake on your hand, you should elevate your hand above your heart.
2. Stinging insects are often found around _________ ________.
3. If you are wearing pants and boots, you should do what?
4. True or False: If a stinging insect is flying around you, you should remain calm and not swat at the insect.
5. Stinging insects may release chemicals when they sting, what does this chemical do?

Answers

1. False
2. Flowering plants
3. You should tuck your pant legs into your boots to prevent stings and bites from insects on the ground.
4. True
5. This chemical attracts other stinging insects to the site of the sting.

Sting and Bite Safety

While working outdoors, it is common to come in contact with stinging insects and fire ants. It is important to take the proper precautions before working outside and ensure that you are familiar with the required treatment for insect stings and bites.

Protect Your Self

• Wear light-colored clothing that covers as much of your body as possible.
• Refrain from using perfumed soaps, sprays, and deodorants because this can attract stinging insects to you.
• Avoid being around flowering plants, as this is often where stinging insects live.
• Always clean up trash that is food related. Some insects, such as yellow jackets, are attracted to food residue.
• If a stinging insect is around you, remain calm. Swatting at the insect may make them feel threatened and increases the chance of you being stung.
• If you are stung, leave the area in a calm but hurried fashion. Some insects release chemicals when they sting you, which attracts other insects to the sting site.
• If you are wearing pants and boots, tuck your pant legs into your boots to protect you from stinging and biting insects that might be on the ground, such as fire ants.
• Be cautious when lifting and moving items that have been stored on the ground or outside. Stinging and biting insects will often make homes in these items and will feel threatened when you move their home.

First Aid

If you or a worker is stung by an insect:

• Monitor the person to ensure that they do not have an allergic reaction to the sting.
• Remove the stinger by wiping over it with a gauze or your fingernail. Never squeeze the stinger out.
• Clean the area and apply ice or cold water to help reduce swelling.
• Refrain from scratching the sting because this can increase swelling and the risk of the sting becoming infected.

If you or a worker is bitten by a snake:

• Remain calm and call for emergency help.
• If water and soap are available, gently wash the bite.
• Remove any rings, watches, and jewelry that may become stuck because of swelling.
• Keep the area of the bite below your heart. If it is on your arm or hand, do not elevate the bite.

Ag Injury News Report

6/12/2023: Man killed in farm accident
6/8/2023: Man dead in farming incident in Jackson County
6/7/2023: Man dies in accident while working on barn near Fairfax
6/6/2023: Woman dies in tractor vs. pickup crash
6/3/2023: Man dies after ATV accident in Bethel
5/30/2023: Madison County Sheriff’s Office identifies 38-year-old man killed in tractor explosion on a farm
5/23/2023: Injured logger rescued outside of Sweet Home