JA:2021-28. The Next Generation of Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines: Process and Outcomes

Purpose: The goal of this project was to update the 1999 evidence-based North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) into a mobile-friendly resource that could be widely disseminated and customized for specific populations. Research conducted from 2000 to 2014 confirmed the value of work guidelines in reducing the risk of preventable injuries for youth working on farms. However, concerns were raised that few farm owners/parents were aware of this resource. These guidelines help supervisors and farm parents assign work that matches a youth’s abilities with the hazards of the job. Methods: A steering committee consisting of farm parents, supervisors, safety professionals, and representatives from agribusiness and farm organizations met in-person and via teleconference over a 2-year period to guide the updates. They provided advice on topics, assessed “practicality vs. science” issues, addressed cultural relevancy, and guided the overall design/format of the mobile-friendly resource. Content specialists with expertise in various areas were drawn from across the United States and used a job hazard analysis template to update/develop content, based upon the most relevant, scientifically sound evidence. A pile sort was employed to determine categories for the guidelines. A core team ensured recommendations were implemented and work was completed. Results/Findings: This next generation of guidelines, known as Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines (AYWG) accounts for (a) evidence-based recommendations; (b) current child agricultural injury/fatality data; (c) changes in production agriculture; (d) lessons learned about consensus development; (e) information technology and health communications theory/practice; and (f) priority topics. A mobile-friendly website was developed to house 54 guidelines in multiple formats (interactive, read, print), in three languages (English, Spanish, French) and allow for choice of skin tones and equipment colors. Additional content on the benefits of farm work for youth, child development, supervision, and communication was created and/or updated. Dissemination of the guidelines is ongoing. Lessons learned include the value of steering committees and stakeholder engagement, challenges in identifying and employing content consultants and staff, and the amount of time needed to complete the process. Practical Application: The use of the AYWGs will help supervisors of working youth assign age/ability appropriate work, which in turn will reduce injuries and fatalities.