HB 1695 benefits agricultural workers

House Bill 1695, by state Rep. John Enns, creates a state program as part of the existing Oklahoma AgrAbility Project to increase services offered to the more than 15,000 Oklahomans with permanent disabilities who work in agriculture.

More than 135,000 skilled agricultural workers in Oklahoma face daily risks of work-related injuries and the development of chronic health problems that could limit their abilities to continue working in agriculture.  In Oklahoma, farm workers are more likely than any other work group to sustain fatal injuries or nonfatal injuries that result in permanent physical disabilities affecting the income of the state’s farm families and farm economy.

The existing Oklahoma AgrAbility Project serves Oklahomans with disabilities who are involved in farming or agriculture-related activities through informational, referral and educational services, and on-farm technical assistance regarding worksite and equipment accommodations.

Donald Jantz, a farmer from Grady County, received services from AgrAbility and the Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services to obtain a tractor lift, which allows him to enter and exit the cab of his tractor with minimal help.

“I’m just glad that I will get to keep farming with this equipment, and I am able to give it another try,” Jantz said.  “If it wasn’t for this equipment or other outside help, then I would have had to quit farming.  I just couldn’t do it.”

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Oklahoma State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, State and Local Governments Cooperating: The Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, or status as a veteran, and is an equal opportunity employer.