Development and Application of a Pen-Based Computer Program for Direct Entry of Agricultural Hazard Data

Abstract In cooperation with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the authors are conducting health and hazard studies of cash grain farms/farmers. Hazard data collection during on-farm inspections has been facilitated by reliance on a pen-based notebook computer, allowing a two-person hazard technician team to record the data electronically during industrial hygiene walk-around surveys. The software programming was designed for systematic data collection that would simultaneously maximize accuracy and minimize missing data, yet provide the necessary flexibility in a cost-effective manner. A main menu indicates specific hazard inspection domains that can be accessed with the touch of an electronic stylus (STRUCTURES, MOBILE FARM MACHINERY, FARM VEHICLES, LANDSCAPE, ERGONOMICS, and OTHER). After selection of the inspection domain of interest, additional menus appear, allowing the user(s) to more precisely describe the area to be audited. The programming also gives ready access...