Assessment of personal protective equipment use among Midwestern farmers.
BACKGROUND
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is readily available and widely recommended, yet usage among agricultural workers is largely unknown.


METHODS
A mail survey of 2,483 farmers in six Midwestern states with telephone follow-up addressed PPE usage related to sun exposure, noise abatement, chain saw usage, welding and metal work, handling of large animals in and out of confinement facilities, feed handling, manure storage facilities, and mixing and applying chemicals. Summary statistics of survey responses were compiled.


RESULTS
With the exception of welding masks, PPE usage was low. Farmers were satisfied with availability of PPE through local hardware and farm cooperatives, but the decision to use PPE was personal and influenced little by outside parties.


CONCLUSIONS
PPE usage rates by farmers on Midwestern farms need to be increased. The desire of the individual farmer to reduce risk of personal injury or exposure should be targeted. The most effective venue will be local agricultural extension services.
Carpenter
W Scott
WS
National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, Division of Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, Wisconsin 54449, USA. carpentw@mfldclin.edu
Lee
Barbara C
BC
Gunderson
Paul D
PD
Stueland
Dean T
DT
D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016573:Agrochemicals / Q000009:adverse effects; D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016273:Occupational Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D011159:Population Surveillance; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012494:Sampling Studies; D014922:Wisconsin
D016573:Agrochemicals