Ag Safety Certification

The US Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA) dictates that youth 14 and 15 years of age who wish to work as a hired employee for someone other than a parent or legal guardian, and operate a farm tractor that is 20hp or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program. Additionally, to operate any powered equipment or machinery attached to the tractor, the youth must successfully pass a machinery safety training program. Through the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP), these two required training programs have been combined into one curriculum.

The training involves 24 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction, followed by a written test and a tractor driving test. The curriculum is also appropriate for all youth whom are age 12 or older and operate a tractor and equipment on family farms. However, to be able to take the driving test, youth must be 14 years old by the day of the test. Youth ages 12 and 13 can participate in the educational portion of the program, but cannot practice driving tractors or receive a certificate.

In addition to tractor & implement safety, other discussion will include:

• General Farmstead Safety
• Skidsteers
• Lawn Mowers
• ATV’s

Agriculture Safety is offered in partnership Herkimer County Cornell Cooperative Extension. The course is traditionally held in April during School Spring Break.

Last updated July 26, 2019