By PREEC
The annual Nebraska Tractor and Equipment safety certification course with hands-on safety will be held in June at Gordon and Gering. The course is hosted by Nebraska Extension and Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health.
Federal law prohibits children under 16 from using certain equipment on a farm unless their parents or legal guardians own the farm. The certification course allows 14- and 15-year-olds to drive a tractor and certain mechanized equipment.
The two-day certification includes a Hands-On Safety Day with a written test and Tractor and Equipment Safety Training with a driving exam. Successful completion of Certification Days 1 and 2 will result in certification for 14-and 15-year-olds to be employed on farms and ranches.
The course costs $40 and includes educational materials, the online learning link (if applicable), supplies, and lunch and snacks at in-person training. Payment is by credit card online.
Youth under 14 years of age can register for and attend Certification Day 1 only if accompanied by an adult. Students under 14 must still register but will not be charged the registration fee.
Both parts of Certification 1 and 2 will be offered in Gordon. A hands-on safety day with a written test will be offered on Wednesday, June 5, at 613 E 3rd Street, and the second part a driving exam will be held on Thursday, June 6.
In Gering, only Certification Day 2, a tractor and equipment safety training with a driving exam, will be offered on Tuesday, June 4, at Legacy of the Plains Museum. Attendees must complete the written test online before taking the driving exam.
To register, visit: go.unmc.edu/tractor-safety-training. For more information, contact your local extension.