Anabel Rodriguez1, G Robert Hagevoort2, Dianey Leal3, Lisa Pompeii4, David I Douphrate1. 1. a Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics,and Environmental Sciences , School of Public Health in San Antonio, The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston , TX , USA. 2. b Extension Animal Sciences and Natural Resources Department, College of Consumer and Environmental Sciences , New Mexico State University, Dairy Extension , Clovis, NM , USA. 3. c Department of Educational Administration , Michigan State University , East Lansing , MI , USA. 4. d Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics, and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health , The University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston , TX , USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Modern U.S. dairy farm operations present multiple safety hazards which may result in worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The U.S. industry trend towards large-herd milking operations, especially in the Western U.S., necessitates an increased number of workers on each farm. The U.S. dairy workforce is comprised of an increasing percentage of immigrant workers with limited English proficiency which presents a safety training challenge. Our objective was to develop, deliver and evaluate safety awareness training to U.S. dairy farm workers using mobile tablets as a personal learning environment. METHODS: A non-random sample of 1,436 dairy workers received safety awareness training on a mobile device platform. Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2 and 3 training effectiveness evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Approximately 58.7% of training participants received a middle school education, and 22.7% were from Guatemala who reported K'iche' as their native language. A statistically significant large effect size suggests safety knowledge was gained among training participants when comparing post-test scores to pre-test scores (Level-2). Training participants rated their training experience favorably (Level-1), and applied knowledge gained in their daily work activities three months after training (Level-3). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the utilization of mobile learning techniques is an effective means to deliver safety awareness training content to dairy workers. Dairy worker safety training should be culturally, linguistically, and literacy appropriate and comprehensive in nature to include all applicable dairy safety hazards. Our observations support the use of mobile devices as just one component of a more comprehensive health and safety management program on farms.
BACKGROUND: Modern U.S. dairy farm operations present multiple safety hazards which may result in worker injuries, illnesses and fatalities. The U.S. industry trend towards large-herd milking operations, especially in the Western U.S., necessitates an increased number of workers on each farm. The U.S. dairy workforce is comprised of an increasing percentage of immigrant workers with limited English proficiency which presents a safety training challenge. Our objective was to develop, deliver and evaluate safety awareness training to U.S. dairy farm workers using mobile tablets as a personal learning environment. METHODS: A non-random sample of 1,436 dairy workers received safety awareness training on a mobile device platform. Kirkpatrick Levels 1, 2 and 3 training effectiveness evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Approximately 58.7% of training participants received a middle school education, and 22.7% were from Guatemala who reported K'iche' as their native language. A statistically significant large effect size suggests safety knowledge was gained among training participants when comparing post-test scores to pre-test scores (Level-2). Training participants rated their training experience favorably (Level-1), and applied knowledge gained in their daily work activities three months after training (Level-3). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest the utilization of mobile learning techniques is an effective means to deliver safety awareness training content to dairy workers. Dairy worker safety training should be culturally, linguistically, and literacy appropriate and comprehensive in nature to include all applicable dairy safety hazards. Our observations support the use of mobile devices as just one component of a more comprehensive health and safety management program on farms.
Entities:
Keywords:
dairy; m-learning; mobile learning; safety; training
Authors: Nicole Doria; Christine Ausman; Susan Wilson; Annalisa Consalvo; Jad Sinno; Leah Boulos; Matthew Numer Journal: BMC Public Health Date: 2021-12-30 Impact factor: 3.295
Authors: Anabel Rodriguez; David Douphrate; David Gimeno Ruiz de Porras; Emilie Prot; Adriana Perez; Robert Hagevoort; Matthew Nonnenmann Journal: Front Public Health Date: 2020-09-02