Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County News
(Morrisville, NY – Feb. 2013) Do you know youth who are 14 or 15 years old who want or do work on a farm? If so, this course is for them. The 2013 Agricultural Safety and Certification Program is scheduled to begin in late February.
It is against the law for an employer to hire a person less than 16 years of age to operate farm tractors or machinery; an exception is made for the 14- or 15-year-old who has completed this approved safety course.
Even though family members and those over 16 are not required by law to take the course, it is a good idea for any potential new operator. The objective of this course is to reduce the number of injuries and deaths resulting from farm-related accidents, especially with young people in Madison County.
Those who satisfactorily complete the course will receive a certificate that allows them to work for hire at age 14 and 15. Employers must request a copy of this certificate from young employees. You must be 14 in order to take this course for a certificate. Again this year, a special emphasis will be offered involving lawn mowers and other lawn, yard and garden equipment.
In order to qualify for the certificate, participants must attend scheduled class sessions, complete the workbook provided, pass a written exam and complete the practical driving exam. The 4-H Tractor Safety and Certification Course class fee is $10 for the manual and printed materials. The fee will be collected at the first session. This program is a cooperative effort of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, the Madison County FFA Agricultural Programs and Morrisville State College.
Pre-enrollment is required. For more information or to enroll, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County 4-H Program, P.O. Box 1209, Eaton Street, Morrisville, N.Y. 13408, or call 315.684.3001.