NIOSH National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury (U54)

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to addressing a wide range of occupational health and safety hazards affecting those who work in the agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) sector. Children and adolescents ("youth") are consistently more likely to be fatally injured working in agriculture compared to other industries. While many steps have been taken to prevent youth injuries in AgFF work, there remains a need for a consistent national program to study and improve their safety, health, and well-being.

This notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) will support a National Center of Excellence for the Prevention of Childhood Agricultural Injury and Illness ("the National Children's Center"). The National Children's Center will engage in high-quality research, education, outreach, and effective translation of scientific discoveries into practice for the benefit of youth living and working in AgFF communities. 

The activities of the National Children's Center will: 

• Improve the collection and analysis of injury, illness, and fatality data for youth working and living in AgFF environments. 
• Enhance research and practice to identify and address gaps in the evidence base for youth workers across AgFF communities, and especially those in rural areas.
• Engage in comprehensive intervention and implementation studies to improve AgFF youth safety, health, and well-being.
• Evaluate the use of technology, including AI and automation, to mitigate workplace hazards and improve health outcomes for AgFF youth. 
• Expand outreach and collaboration at the local, regional, and national level to disseminate information and best practices.

The National Children's Center works closely with NIOSH AgFF program leadership; other NIOSH Centers for Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health; NIOSH intramural scientists (when applicable); academic and research partners; industry and community groups; and other organizations to advance research integration, inform best practices, and develop effective worksite solutions for youth and families working and living in AgFF environments across the U.S. The Center should clearly demonstrate capacity to maintain a national scope for research, implementation, dissemination, and related activities.