MINNEAPOLIS – This summer thousands of Kansas teenagers will begin their first job working for a farmer or rancher. For those that are ages 14 or 15, they must complete a tractor safety course in order to be legally employed.
To help prepare some of those youth for the upcoming work season, the Central Kansas Extension District (CKD) will be hosting a virtual tractor safety class using Zoom, a web conferencing technology that will allow students to participate in the session from their home or other remote location – they just need a reliable internet or cellular connection.
This course will meet the requirements of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order for Agriculture (HOOA). The HOOA regulations state 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 20 HP or greater, must successfully pass a tractor safety training program. This year the local curriculum will combine at-home study with an interactive distance presentation.
The CKD virtual course will be held on May 26 at 8:30 a.m. The cost of the program is $25. Those wanting to enroll should visit www.centralkansas.ksu.edu and complete the “Tractor Safety Registration Form.” Enrollment is due by May 13.
The class will be limited to 25 participants. Prospective students can check availability and ask questions prior to registering by calling (785) 309-5850 or emailing [email protected].