Primary Presenter: Marsha Cheyney, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, University of Iowa.
Additional Author: Fred Gerr, MD, Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, University of Iowa.
Learning Objective: Understand factors that influence the use of personal protective equipment among farmers.
Abstract: Agricultural health and safety organizations frequently distribute free personal protective equipment at their outreach events. However, social science research shows that access to resources does not always lead to an increase in the use of those resources. The goal of this project is to describe factors that influence the use of hearing protection among farmers in the Midwest. To achieve this goal, a sample of farmers at major agricultural shows in the Midwest were asked to complete a short survey about their use of hearing protection. Information was collected about their frequency of engagement in tasks that increase the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, frequency of use of hearing protection when doing those tasks, and factors that are either triggers or barriers to their use of hearing protection. Then they were given a PPE Kit containing ear muffs, several types of ear plugs, and a pair of safety glasses. Follow-up surveys were sent 4 weeks later to assess change in use of hearing protection. Preliminary results will be shared.
Equipment Requirements: LCD Projector/Laptop
Oral Presentation, 30 minutes