Penn State Extension offers youth tractor safety manual in Spanish

Sep 08, 2023

PUBLISHED ON June 6, 2023

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is offering a new Spanish language translation of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program Student Manual, titled Programa Nacional de Manejo Seguro de Tractores y Maquinaria — Manual del Estudiante.

Developed by the ag safety and health team in Penn State's Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, this comprehensive guide complements safety training for youth ages 14 and 15 interested in production agriculture. It enables them to obtain the certification to legally operate tractors and other machinery off of their family farm. The program's curriculum also has been used to teach adults in various settings.

Farming is a hazardous environment, particularly for youth who are at risk of severe injuries and fatalities. To comply with the U.S. Department of Labor's training requirements under the Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture, youth 14 and 15 years old must complete a tractor certification program if they want to work in agriculture outside of their family farm.

Now in its third edition, the student manual offers in-depth insights into various aspects of farm work for youth, covering safety fundamentals, agricultural hazards, tractor operation, material handling and other relevant topics. This updated edition incorporates the latest regulations, detailed illustrations, photographs and an enhanced, user-friendly layout.

The Spanish and English versions of the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program Student Manual are available for digital download for $15. Both versions can be purchased by visiting extension.psu.edu/nstmop-manuals.

Funding from the Nationwide Insurance Endowment for Ag Safety and Health and the Ag Safety and Health Endowment supported the translation of the manual.

–Alexandra McLaughlin, Penn State University

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