By Blake Jackson
The National Farm Medicine Center at Marshfield Clinic Health System is an essential institution for farm safety research and education.
Through its work, the center helps reduce farm injuries and fatalities by investigating causes and offering safety guidelines.
One of its most notable achievements is the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, which has set crucial standards for child safety on farms.
However, recent budget cuts to federal agencies like NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) have placed the future of the center at risk.
Director Casper Bendixsen warned in a recent newsletter that if the cuts remain, about 75% of the center’s operations, including research and outreach, could be lost, putting rural families in jeopardy.
John Shutske, an agricultural safety expert, expressed his concern: “Without the continued research that’s made possible with federal funding, it would set us back.” The center’s work has led to a significant decrease in farm fatalities over the years, and losing its funding could reverse this progress.
The center’s impact extends beyond research, as it also provides crucial training for rural firefighters. Programs developed in collaboration with fire departments help first responders safely handle emergencies on farms.
Jerry Minor, chief of the Pittsville Fire Department, said, “These programs are vital,” and warned of the severe consequences if they were to end due to the loss of funding.
Without continued federal support, farm safety, particularly for children and first responders, could be at great risk, affecting rural communities across the nation.
Categories: Wisconsin, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety