Hazardous Occupations Training
Neil Cates, Livestock Production Agent
It is hard to believe it is time to start enrolling in Hazardous Occupations Training again. Farm safety is nothing to take lightly. According to Kansas Farm Bureau, in 2014 there were 7 fatal and 5 non-fatal agriculture related incidents reported in Kansas. On a positive note, working on a farm is one of the most rewarding jobs a youth can have. It teaches responsibility, respect, instills a hard work ethic, and allows youth to be a part of the largest industry in Kansas.
All 14 to 15-year olds are required to complete H.O.T. before they are allowed to perform “hazardous” farm work for anyone other than their parents or legal guardians. So what is the definition of “hazardous”? Operating a tractor over 20 horsepower. This law only applies to this age group, once he or she is 16 it is no longer a requirement. Not every job on a farm requires certification, but mowing with a small mower, cleaning chicken houses, and pulling weeds are probably not jobs kids have in mind when they consider working for a farmer. What used to be called Tractor Safety is now Hazardous Occupations Training (HOT). The purpose is to provide safety education to youth who will be working on farms. It is a safety course, not a tractor operation course, and is required by a federal law under OSHA. Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed on employers not complying with this law. This is an agricultural exemption to child labor laws because of the tradition of young people doing seasonal work on farms. OSHA allows this age group to work in this “Hazardous Occupation” but requires the safety course first. Even with training these youth cannot apply chemicals or anhydrous ammonia, use chain saws, or work with breeding livestock. To get a certificate three requirements must be met. First attend the formal training, second pass a written test (multiple choice and True/ False), and third spend their first 14 hours on equipment under the supervision of a parent or employer. Again this is a safety course, not an operation course. Students need supervised instruction on equipment they will be using. This year the class will meet twice, the evening of Monday, March 9th and all day Saturday, March 21. Attendance is required at both. Location for the training will be at Carrico Implement in Beloit. The first evening is the pre-test and a safety presentation by Kansas Farm Bureau. The all-day session involves classroom lessons, guest speakers, and equipment demonstrations. The class is open to anyone fourteen and older. Thirteen-year olds may take the course if they turn 14 before the course is offered next year, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday. The only cost is for the textbook which can be purchased at the extension office for $10.00. Preregistration and return of required forms are requested by February 27th. When returning forms, let the office know if you are interested in carpooling. This is an excellent opportunity for our area youth. I look forward to another great class!
All 14 to 15-year olds are required to complete H.O.T. before they are allowed to perform “hazardous” farm work for anyone other than their parents or legal guardians. So what is the definition of “hazardous”? Operating a tractor over 20 horsepower. This law only applies to this age group, once he or she is 16 it is no longer a requirement. Not every job on a farm requires certification, but mowing with a small mower, cleaning chicken houses, and pulling weeds are probably not jobs kids have in mind when they consider working for a farmer. What used to be called Tractor Safety is now Hazardous Occupations Training (HOT). The purpose is to provide safety education to youth who will be working on farms. It is a safety course, not a tractor operation course, and is required by a federal law under OSHA. Fines of up to $10,000 can be imposed on employers not complying with this law. This is an agricultural exemption to child labor laws because of the tradition of young people doing seasonal work on farms. OSHA allows this age group to work in this “Hazardous Occupation” but requires the safety course first. Even with training these youth cannot apply chemicals or anhydrous ammonia, use chain saws, or work with breeding livestock. To get a certificate three requirements must be met. First attend the formal training, second pass a written test (multiple choice and True/ False), and third spend their first 14 hours on equipment under the supervision of a parent or employer. Again this is a safety course, not an operation course. Students need supervised instruction on equipment they will be using. This year the class will meet twice, the evening of Monday, March 9th and all day Saturday, March 21. Attendance is required at both. Location for the training will be at Carrico Implement in Beloit. The first evening is the pre-test and a safety presentation by Kansas Farm Bureau. The all-day session involves classroom lessons, guest speakers, and equipment demonstrations. The class is open to anyone fourteen and older. Thirteen-year olds may take the course if they turn 14 before the course is offered next year, but the certificate will not be issued until their fourteenth birthday. The only cost is for the textbook which can be purchased at the extension office for $10.00. Preregistration and return of required forms are requested by February 27th. When returning forms, let the office know if you are interested in carpooling. This is an excellent opportunity for our area youth. I look forward to another great class!
