Feb. 13, 2014
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Chainsaw Safety
Family and Consumer Sciences
Re-entering the workforce later in life
4-H Youth Development
4-H Fashion Leadership Board looking for members
Chainsaw safety on the farm and at home
Source: Mark Purschwitz, agricultural safety and health specialist
A long winter with frequent bouts of ice and snow has not been kind to Kentucky trees, and we’ll probably be hearing the buzz of chainsaws with increasing frequency as things warm up and thaw out.
While chainsaws are a powerful tool, this characteristic also makes them very dangerous. Improper use can cause serious, sometimes fatal, injuries, so if you’re using a chainsaw, follow these three safety guidelines: know how your saw works and how to properly use it; wear personal protective equipment to protect your eyes, hearing, head, legs and feet and never work alone.
Buy a chainsaw you can comfortably handle and that is appropriate for the tasks you do most often.
Always read and follow instructions in the owner’s manual. Be sure all parts of your chainsaw are present and in good working order. Check the saw chain for proper tension and sharpness. Use a saw with a chain brake and low-kickback type of chain. Be sure the chain is well-lubricated and all safety devices, including the chain brake, are properly working.
Be sure to mix fuel in a can, not in the saw’s tank and keep the gasoline can at least 10 feet away from where you’re going to start the chainsaw.
Always start a chainsaw with the saw on the ground with one of your toes in the handle and one hand on the handle. Never hold the chainsaw in the air with one hand while pulling on the starting rope with the other.
Keep both hands on the chainsaw when cutting; always operate the saw below shoulder height; only operate a chainsaw up in a tree when you’ve received special training to do so, and engage the chain brake when starting and walking with the saw.
Many chainsaw injuries take place when the moving chain comes into contact with the operator, with kickback being the most common cause. Kickback takes place when the upper tip of the guide bar touches an object, or the chain gets pinched. This rapidly and uncontrollably throws the saw up and back towards the operator. Kickback can cause severe lacerations to the upper body, neck or face, and even death.
Remember to maintain a stiff left elbow to lessen the chance of the saw striking you in a kickback. When cutting logs from a tree, be sure to stand to the left side of the chain so any kickback will go over your shoulder.
Hand and arm injuries comprise 41 percent of total chainsaw injuries; legs, 39 percent; head and face injuries, 11 percent; feet, 6 percent and upper body, 3 percent.
You can significantly reduce chainsaw injuries or fatalities by wearing personal protective equipment. Wear cut-retardant chaps and cut-resistant boots to protect thighs, shins and feet; goggles not sunglasses to protect eyes; ear plugs to protect hearing; non-slip gloves to protect hands; and a hardhat and face screen to protect your head and face. One convenient way to protect your head, face and ears is to use a helmet system that combines hardhat, face screen and hearing protection.
Also, wear sturdy, snugfitting clothing that gives you complete freedom of movement. Avoid loose things that might catch in the moving chain including sleeve and pants cuffs, unfastened long hair or jewelry.
Never go out alone to operate a chainsaw. Another person can share the cutting tasks to prevent fatigue, a major cause of injuries in the woods, or go for help should an accident occur. Always take a first aid kit and keep it handy.
Remember, these safety features won’t replace proper training, safe operating practices and common sense, but they will reduce your risk of an injury.
For more information, contact your (COUNTY NAME) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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Re-entering the work force later in life
Source: Amy Hosier, UK extension specialist for family life education
Jennifer Hunter, UK extension specialist for family financial management
The recent economic recession hit many Americans hard. If you’re over the age of 55 and are looking for employment, you are not alone. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for older workers was 5.3 percent in August 2013. While this figure is down from its high of 7.2 percent in December 2009, it is still nearly twice as high as when the recession began in 2007. While long-term unemployment rose substantially across demographics, it occurred at a greater rate for older workers compared to younger workers. Nearly 50 percent of unemployed older workers have been actively seeking employment for more than six months.
The 2012 report by the Government Accountability Office found that older workers face several challenges to obtaining or regaining employment including high salary expectations, expensive health benefits, out-of-date skills and visible frustration during job interviews.
Eldercare has a brochure with tips to help older jobseekers brush up on their resume writing, interview techniques and application forms. It is available online at Other useful websites include the U.S. Department of Labor and its CareerOneStop and AARP
If you don’t have Internet access, many public libraries do. Libraries often offer other career services including resume help and educational classes. Some community colleges provide similar career services or classes to help you become familiar with the newest technology. Many Extension offices offer educational programs about retirement and financial management.
If you are currently receiving Social Security benefits and are thinking about re-entering the work force to supplement your income, you should realize that paid employment could affect your benefits. If you work and are older than full retirement age, you may keep all of your benefits despite your earnings amount. Full retirement age for those born between Jan. 2, 1943 and Jan. 1, 1955 is 66. In 2014, workers younger than full retirement age receiving Social Security will have their benefits reduced $1 from every $2 they earned over $15,480. Those receiving Social Security benefits who will reach full retirement age in 2014 will have their benefits reduced by $1 for every $3 they earned over $41,400 until they reach their birth month. Contact your local Social Security office to find out the amount you can earn while receiving Social Security payments.
Many employers value older workers for their experience, work ethic and mentoring abilities and are willing to hire older adults. For more information about financial or career-related programs offered through Extension, contact the (YOUR COUNTY) office.
Educational programs of the Kentucky Cooperative Extension serve all people regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, disability, or national origin.
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4-H Fashion Leadership Board looking for members
Source: Marjorie Baker, extension associate for clothing and textiles
4-H has given hundreds of fashion-forward individuals the opportunity to hone their skills in sewing, design, needlework, modeling and body image projects. Now those who enjoy participating in these 4-H events can take their 4-H experience a step further by applying to participate as a member or adult mentor in the 4-H Fashion Leadership Board.
The board is a new 4-H offering available to those who have prior experience with 4-H fashion-related projects. Youth applicants must be in the ninth through 12th grade for the year they will be serving. The one-year terms will not begin until next school year. 4-H members must be working on a 4-H project in a fashion-related area.
Board members will have the opportunity to improve on their personal skills as well as gain an awareness of the variety of available industry careers. They will also promote and provide leadership within their home county with 4-H fashion-related projects. Board members are also in charge of planning the 4-H State Fashion Revue and must play a significant role during the revue. They must also participate in family and consumer sciences day at the Kentucky State Fair, which is the second Saturday of the state fair.
Board members must attend all regular board meetings and participate in advanced educational opportunities. As many as 16 young people will be selected as board members.
Adult volunteers or 4-H youth development agents can apply to be a mentor to the board. A maximum of four adults will serve in that capacity. Interested applicants must be an approved volunteer through their county of residence and have a high interest or past experience in 4-H fashion-related projects.
Youth applications are due May 1. Board members will be announced at 4-H Teen Conference in June. Adult mentor applications are due March 1, and mentors will be named by April 1.
For an application, contact the (YOUR COUNTY) Cooperative Extension Service.
Educational programs of the Cooperative Extension Service serve all people regardless of race, color, sex, religion, disability or national origin.
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