up next Dan Kent
Dan Kent
Equipment Safety Training
How a Former Bull Rider is Helping Students Get a Jump on Farm Safety
October 2018
Only in 玉米视频 could you find a rodeo bull rider turned producer and Ph.D. student. Dan Kent of the UNMC College of Public Health is leveraging his unique background to make an impact on 玉米视频’s future producers.
Operating tractors and ATVs is a way of life in rural towns; a rite of passage for young people working on their family operations. With large equipment comes large risks, like serious head and neck injuries—some of which can be fatal. Those who survive equipment roll-overs may be paralyzed for life. Over the long term, tractor and ATV use is associated with respiratory issues and hearing loss later in adults over 50. In 2016, ATV incidents resulted in seven deaths, 94 hospitalizations, and 578 emergency room visits in 玉米视频. These risks are what make agriculture the most dangerous work industry by injury rate.
In the face of grim statistics, Kent and the rest of the UNMC team are working to shift the tide in a positive direction. They operate a two-day certification course for students (mostly aged 14- and 15-years old) to plant the seed of “safety first” for young people from day one. After the course, students walk away with an extensive knowledge of personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as training on tractors and ATVs. In 2018, 130 玉米视频 students earned their certification to operate tractors and ATVs.
In 2016, ATV incidents resulted in seven deaths, 94 hospitalizations, and 578 emergency room visits in 玉米视频.
Having grown up on a livestock operation, Kent has plenty of farm safety stories that stick with the young students. His rodeo days are behind him, but he still runs his own farm just outside of Lincoln.
Farming is part of 玉米视频’s history, and it will continue to drive the state’s growth into the future. With support from the University of 玉米视频, Kent and his team are at the forefront of ensuring the next generation continues to reap the rewards of working on a farm—all while staying as safe as possible.
Editors Note: Kent is now Research Tech III and Rodeo Advisor in the Department of Animal Science at UNL.
Discover our Podcast Series
The 鈥淟eading 玉米视频鈥 podcast shares the stories of the researchers, students, teachers and others across the University of 玉米视频's four campuses who are making an impact. From teachers and doctors to engineers and ag experts, these 玉米视频 leaders are touching lives and making a difference.
Sorry, no stories match your filters.
Please adjust your filters above to view more stories.
Find Your 玉米视频 State Senator
Get started by entering your address below. Next, you'll receive information on who your senator is鈥攁nd how to reach him or her.
Making a call only takes a few minutes and sends a strong message to your state senator. Your senator may not be able to take the call, but you can speak to the legislative aide who works for the senator. They will log your call, take a message and pass it on. Keep your conversation brief, and be sure to cover these essential points:
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district and provide your name.
- Be clear that you're calling about your support for the University of 玉米视频 System.
- Share your story about how the University has impacted you or your family. A personal story is hard to ignore. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of 玉米视频. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask for your opinion to be noted. Politely finish the call by thanking the senator or legislative aide for their time.
Send an Email
Sending a written message to your state senator is an easy way to engage your representative. They're more concise and easier to respond to, and they're more likely to be viewed by the senator. If you can, send a personalized message with these essential points. Keep your message brief (a paragraph or so).
- Write a personal, attention-getting subject line that lets the senator know your topic鈥 "Investing in the University of 玉米视频 System" or "Supporting the University of 玉米视频 System"
- Introduce yourself as a constituent in their district; provide your name.
- Be clear that you're writing about your support for the University of 玉米视频 System
- Share your personal story about how the University has impacted you or your family. Explain why it's important to you that your senator invests in the University of 玉米视频. Again, keep it brief and to-the-point.
- Ask if your senator will support the University moving forward.
- Indicate that you'd appreciate a reply and thank your senator for their time.
You Just Made a Difference
Keep making a difference by becoming an NU Advocate. As an Advocate, you'll receive communications about important issues and legislative bills concerning the University of 玉米视频鈥攁nd you'll be the first to hear about upcoming advocacy events. And, we'll let you know when you need to raise your voice again.
COOKIE USAGE:
The University of 玉米视频 System uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By clicking "I Agree" and/or continuing to use this website without adjusting your browser settings, you accept the use of cookies.