University of the Virgin Islands Training Grant- MSP22

Objective 2:

Two PPE presentations were held for the Virgin Islands territory farmers. The first was held on the Albert A. Sheen Campus St. Croix on Dec 4th, 2023, and the second was held at the Orville E. Kean UVI St. Thomas Campus on April 15th, 2024. These trainings consisted of three parts from three presenters, culminating in a training designed to raise greater awareness of the need to protect and preserve one's health as a farmer.

 Dr. Amy J. Dreves, the UVI Extension Specialist–Pest Management, presented on pesticide product labels. A number of real and fabricated pesticide product labels and safety data sheets (SDS) were handed out to participants to provide critical information about navigating labels and handling and using pesticide products safely and legally. Dr. Dreves explained the parts of the label to understand where to find the potential risks and hazards that pesticides may pose and highlighted the minimum Personnel Protective Equipment for mixers, loaders, and applicators found under the header, “Precautionary Statements.” Participants played a game by placing the names of each part on the front panel of a label and filling in the blanks on a worksheet. Participants proceeded to locate the names of parts on copies of product labels that were handed out to understand the importance of safety gear better.

The second presenter was Mrs. Vanessa Forbes, a seasoned UVI Extension Agent II. She delivered a comprehensive session on the health effects of the lack of or improper usage of PPE, specifically focusing on the respiratory, auditory, and ocular receptors, highlighting to the farmers the disease that affects farmers, known as “farmer's lung. Mrs. Forbes expressed awareness of one's surroundings regarding dust and Mold, which, once in the Alveoli of the lungs, are impossible to remove. For the auditory receptors, the highlighted need for farmers to protect their hearing while they still have it is highlighted by using adequate hearing protection designed for reducing decibels to a safe level.  Ocular receptors, more commonly called the eyes, were also covered. Surfers’ eyes, farmers' eyes, or a Pterygium is a fleshy overgrowth of the conjunctiva, a thin transparent membrane on the eye surface. It is often seen in persons who spend long hours in the sun and high dust and dry conditions. One can lessen the risk of developing a pterygium by using high-quality wrap-around tinted eye protection. Rinsing eyes thoroughly when dust and other particulates enter the eyes and lubricating them with artificial tears is also an important step to take in lessening the risk of developing farmers' eyes. https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/six-things-to-know-about-pinguecula-pterygium

The third presenter, Mr. Meridith M. Prince, is a training Supervisor at the Ocean Point Terminals on the big island of St. Croix, USVI. He delivered the closing blow of knowledge to the attendees of the presentation on PPE usage from respirators and the proper fit to ANSI eye protection and ISEA 105 glove fit standards. At the conclusion of the presentation the essential component Mr. Prince wanted all participants of both the St. Croix and St. Thomas presentations to understand that PPE is an integral component of any comprehensive wellness and safety strategy, be it on a farm or in an international work site. PPE plays a critical role in protecting workers' health and well-being by minimizing risk and safeguarding workers against physical, chemical, and environmental hazards. Employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate PPE, ensuring the proper use and fit, maintaining equipment, and providing proper training to workers. Through these measures, workers can remain safe, protected, and free from preventable injuries or illnesses.