"National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification" Program

The need for a National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification program has been documented by the number of fatalities (100) and injuries (32,800) to youth annually as reported by research (USDA, 1994). The Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (USDL, 1968) requires certification of non-farm youth (ages 14 and 15) working on farms to operate tractors and machinery. Lack of certification activity as documented by The Ohio State University and The Pennsylvania State University indicated poor quality and out of date materials as major reasons for not offering classes. This project is developing, testing, and demonstrating certification materials and procedures for a national certification program.