About

S. Dee Jepsen is a Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University. He holds degrees including an A.S. in Livestock Production from The Ohio State University Agricultural Technical Institute, a B.S. in Animal Sciences, an M.S. in Agricultural Education, and a Ph.D. in Human and Community Resource Development with a minor in Public Health, all from The Ohio State University. His expertise encompasses occupational safety and health, with a focus on formal and non-formal curriculum design, injury prevention outreach programs for rural communities, and safety on farms and rural roads. Jepsen has developed programs addressing tractor and machinery safety, farmstead safety, grain handling facility risks, and farm safety for children and families. He is a recognized OSHA Outreach Trainer and has contributed to safety education and injury prevention initiatives related to agricultural safety, emergency management, and rural health, including mental health and stress management for farmers.

Research topics

• Business
• Political Science
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Marketing
• Psychiatry
• Environmental health
• Public relations
• Economic growth
• Economics
• Engineering
• Geography

Selected publications

• Reliability Analysis of Test Questions to Support a National Tractor and Machinery Safety Certification Program

  Journal of Agricultural Education · 2025-12-11

  articleOpen access

  The purpose of the study was to evaluate the reliability of a newly developed test bank of exam questions to support the U.S. Department of Labor tractor and machinery safety certificate’s written exam. This test bank was developed by a panel of eight subject matter experts, from different U.S. geographic regions, in face-to-face meetings for item writing, to assess subject knowledge in middle and high school students aged 13-to-18 years old. The guiding theoretical frameworks were Webb’s Depth of Knowledge and Bloom’s Taxonomy. Via multiple recruitment efforts, high school agricultural educators and community 4-H advisors who taught youth certification programs were recruited to serve as classroom facilitators and replace their current knowledge exam with the study’s WebXam online exam. Students (n = 96) from three states and six classrooms participated in the study, representing four different program formats. Results showed strong reliability (a = 0.93) for the exam, with no significant difference in the likelihood of passing based on age or sex. Seven themes were included in the 70-item test bank, where all questions were answered correctly by at least 30% of respondents, indicating there were no questions too difficult for the test-taker population. The results will serve as a foundation for establishing an online testing platform for educators who offer tractor and machinery safety trainings across the U.S., and in-turn may also create program consistency for the DOL written exam with a national test bank of valid and reliable questions.

  PublisherDOI

• Women’s Leadership in Agricultural Safety and Health

  Journal of Agromedicine · 2024-12-05

  editorialOpen access1st authorCorresponding
  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Using State Agency Reports to Augment Ohio’s Agricultural Injury Surveillance Efforts

  Journal of Agromedicine · 2024-01-30 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  BACKGROUND: Agriculture is a hazardous industry with undocumented injury events. Credible surveillance measures are critical for this industry, especially to guide injury prevention programs with targeted recommendations for specific commodity groups and populations. This multi-phase study explored the feasibility for two state agency databases, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Program and the Emergency Medical Services Incident Reporting System (EMSIRS), to augment the state's Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) annual reports. METHODS: BWC data described injury claims in agricultural workplaces from 1999 to 2008. State EMSIRS data described the types of medical emergencies for which EMS services were requested to Ohio farms in 2013-2014. Descriptive analyses were performed on each distinctive source. RESULTS: Over 14,000 BWC claims were analyzed, with primary nature of injury identified as sprains and strains of bodily extremities; falls were the most common cause of injury. The EMSIRS data provided 1,376 cases, where EMS services were requested to Ohio farms at injury onset. Some cases had possibility to be excluded in CFOI or employment claims data, with 24% patients 65 years and older and 6% children 13 years and younger. The primary cause of injury was falls, and the highest reported injury type was blunt trauma. CONCLUSIONS: Both BWC and EMSIRS databases showed the potential to enhance Ohio's agricultural surveillance data with viable information not found in previously used systems. Each agency database had its own merits to further clarify and quantify morbidity. When used together, these sources enrich surveillance statistics to describe Ohio's agricultural injury incidents.

  PublisherDOI

• Risk-Factor Assessment and Sun Protection Behaviors of Ohio Farmers

  Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health · 2023-01-01 · 4 citations

  article1st authorCorresponding

  HIGHLIGHTS: Most farmers never had a skin cancer assessment by a health professional, but almost 20% had a skin cancer diagnosis. While at risk for skin cancer, Ohio farmers have not widely adopted sun safety protection behaviors. Understanding sun safety practices of farmers may guide development of appropriate resources and interventions. ABSTRACT: The purpose of the study was to identify sun exposure risk factors and sun protection behaviors from a sample of Ohio farmers. A convenience sample of farmers was invited to complete a self-report survey, either online or by paper and pencil at annual pesticide training courses and community-based safety programs. This cross-sectional and descriptive study used public domain survey questions by Glanz et al. and Oh et al. Respondents totaled 505 and self-identified primarily as male, married or with a domestic partner, white, non-Latino, with very fair to fair skin, and worked full-time mostly in field crops. Over 50% of farmers applied or reapplied sunscreen. Between 50% and 70% wore a shirt with sleeves, sunglasses, and/or a hat; a baseball cap was the preferred headwear. Farmers (67%) reported 0-1 sunburns last year, and 83% said they sit in the sun to get a tan. Younger farmers (<44 years old) spent more time in the sun to tan and reported fewer painful sunburns. Most farmers (58%) never had a professional skin cancer assessment, but 17% had a skin cancer diagnosis. While at risk for skin cancer, Ohio farmers have not widely adopted sun safety protection behaviors. Data may direct future multidisciplinary health and safety educational programming by state Extension outreach and healthcare providers.

  PublisherDOI

• Statistical Modeling of Respirable Dust Concentrations in On-Farm Grain Bins Using a Grain Dust Simulator

  Journal of the ASABE · 2023-01-01

  articleSenior author

  <b>Highlights</b> <list list-type=bullet><list-item> The simulation results showed auger rotation speed had a weak positive contribution to the respirable dust concentration. </list-item><list-item> Air temperatures (22℃ to 31℃) and relative humidity (43% to 87%) did not have statistically significant effects on respirable dust concentrations in the concentration range of 5 mg/m³ to 20 mg/m³. </list-item><list-item> The efficacy of this research shows promise for simulation modeling to identify engineering controls to reduce respirable grain dust concentrations. </list-item></list> <b>Abstract.</b> Farmers are exposed to high concentrations of grain dust when working in their on-farm grain storage facilities. Grain dust poses significant health risks to agricultural workers and leads to respiratory diseases like organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), chronic bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (Farmer‘s Lung). With long-term exposure, grain dust can also affect lung function. On-farm exposure monitoring suggests dust concentrations change as bin operations and farmers‘ work practices change. The objective of this research was to use a Grain Dust Simulator (GDS) to identify significant factors that may affect the respirable dust concentrations in grain bins. Mechanical factors like ventilation systems and augers, as well as environmental factors including temperature and relative humidity, were simulated in the GDS. Statistical models were developed from the results of the experimental dust simulations to determine the significant factors. The results of the models showed that an increase of the auger rotation speed could increase the respirable dust concentrations in the GDS. An increase in the airflow rate supplied by the ventilation system decreased the respirable dust concentrations in the GDS. The lab simulation provides a guide for researchers to translate findings to farmers on what could potentially affect the respirable dust concentrations in their grain bins. Furthermore, the negative effect of the ventilation system offers a new control strategy for farmers to decrease the grain dust exposure level in their grain bins. The results will be used to better understand the agricultural workplace and find additional controls to improve air quality in on-farm grain bin storage facilities.

  PublisherDOI

• Development of a 4-H Project Book: Ready Set Mow!

  2023-01-01

  articleSenior author

  <b><sc>Abstract.</sc></b> A review of youth lawnmower injuries since 1990 and available educational resources was conducted to determine the need for a 4-H project book focused on lawnmowers. A minimal decline in injuries indicated that despite manufacturing improvements, injuries to youth still occur. A review of available educational materials for youth yielded limited resources on lawnmower operation and safety training. Based on these findings five objectives were identified (1) describe the subtopics of lawnmowers that will educate youth; (2) develop activities based on the experiential learning model that has been adapted to the 4-H curriculum; (3) develop a training and practice guide based on the 4-H lawn mower competition; (4) provide a draft project book for evaluation in 2022; and (5) publish the project book for use in 2023. To meet these objectives a panel of experts consisting of professionals from Ohio State and Purdue Universities convened to develop the content of the book, focusing on three areas: lawnmower safety, operation, and maintenance. Activities for each area were developed by referencing the 4-H experiential learning model and through panel‘s knowledge on the topics. A draft version of the book was sent out for evaluation to 31 Ohio and Indiana 4-H Extension professionals and volunteers. Quantitative and qualitative responses were collected and incorporated into the final version of the book. The result is a 52-page project book that is available in Ohio and Indiana for the 2023 4-H year and has been submitted to the national 4-H review board.

  PublisherDOI

• Accessibility and Inclusion as an Approach to Enhancing Local Extension Programs

  Journal of Human Sciences and Extension · 2022-06-10 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension’s mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals’ personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new opportunities for education and growth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law requiring businesses and events to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, “no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The legislation applies to Extension buildings, programs, and gardens that are available to the public. This article highlights Extension’s relevance for creating accessible spaces and programs with examples from four U.S. states. Extension professionals within AgrAbility, occupational health, and therapeutic horticulture describe their experiences integrating IDEA to enhance urban agricultural programs. They share best management practices and additional resources applicable for community gardens, greenhouses, agritourism, and urban agricultural spaces. When Extension professionals and their collaborators strive to make urban programming accessible, they enhance the quality of life for participants. Applying disability service concepts to urban communities maximizes the Land Grant’s mission to create inclusive environments, ultimately impacting agricultural sustainability.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• A Needs Assessment of Ohio Farmers’ Self-Reported Health Behaviors

  Journal of Agromedicine · 2022 · 7 citations

  • Environmental health
  • Medicine
  • Psychology

  The study purpose was a needs assessment, to identify and quantify health behavior risk-factors of Ohio farmers in sleep, mental health, fruit/vegetable serving frequency, physical activity, tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use, and weight status. Guided by the RE-AIM implementation framework, the research question was What behavioral choices pose health risk factors for Ohio farmers? This cross-sectional, quantitative, descriptive study used Qualtrics’ hyperlinks, QR codes, or paper-and-pencil surveys to collect data on seven focused health behaviors. The survey combined valid and reliable public domain questionnaires. The target audience included Ohio farmers representing various commodities. Extension educators at the county, regional, and state level provided access and data collection during their existing community-based programs and annual pesticide training sessions. The survey has been opened from January 20, 2020 to December 5, 2020 with modified recruitment during COVID. A convenience sample of 505 farmers participated. The majority self-identified as male, married, white, non-Latino, and worked full-time. The most frequent commodity was field crops. Most farmers reported 7-to-8 h of sleep, but the MOS SLP6 subscale indicated 89.5% of the farmers reported a score greater than 51. The two PHQ-2 questions showed 9.6% of the farmers scored >3, indicating a likely major depression disorder. Fruit and vegetable serving frequency appeared less than dietary recommendations. Time spent in physical activity did not meet guidelines. Almost 80% of the farmers said they did not use tobacco; the most common choice was chews and snuffs. Audit-C showed 31.4% of the men and 27.7% of the women can be categorized as hazardous drinkers. Illicit drug use was reported by 3.7%. Most farmers were obese or overweight. Male respondents were 83.5% overweight or obese; females 70.8% were overweight or obese. Males ages 55–64 years were mostly likely to be obese (58%) followed by males ages 35–44 years (46%). Results were compared to Ohio’s Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System. These data will assist county Extension educators in identifying health prevention programming important for farm populations, utilizing community resources and services. While the findings of Ohio farmers may not be generalizable to other state farming communities, this survey and lessons learned can serve as a model for other Extension assessments.

  PublisherDOI

• Designing a grain dust simulator for dusty environments in typical grain bins in the Midwestern United States

  Biosystems Engineering · 2022-06-25

  articleSenior author
  PublisherDOI

• Quantifying Farmers’ Exposure to Corn and Soybean Dust in On-Farm Grain Storage Bins

  Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health · 2022-01-01 · 1 citations

  article

  Highlights On-farm samples were used to analyze farmers’ exposure to dust while cleaning and unloading their grain bins. Over 18% of samples exceeded the 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration recommended by ACGIH for respirable dust, and over 27% of samples exceeded the ACGIH recommendation for total suspended particles. The results strengthen the need for relevant agricultural safety education programs to help farm workers understand the health hazards associated with grain dust. Abstract. Grain dust consists of grain particles, insect parts, silica, bacteria, fungi, and mycotoxins. The size of these airborne particulates is a concern because they can become deeply lodged in the respiratory tract. Exposure to grain dust can diminish overall lung function and lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), organic dust toxic syndrome (ODTS), chronic bronchitis, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis (farmer’s lung). Grain storage and handling facilities are primary work locations with high levels of grain dust concentrations. The objective of this study was to understand farmers’ exposure to grain dust while cleaning and unloading their grain bins. During on-farm dust sampling, researchers visited farms to collect dust samples for analysis. Two types of samples were taken. Integrated samples provided average concentrations of total dust and respirable dust while farmers performed their normal tasks in the grain bin. Real-time samples provided instantaneous concentrations of respirable dust (RESP) and total suspended particles (TSP) and how the variations changed during the farmers’ working periods. From the data collected in corn storage bins, RESP concentrations ranged from 4.1 to 6.6 mg m -3 , and TSP concentrations ranged from 33 to 70.7 mg m -3 . From the data collected in soybean storage bins, RESP concentrations ranged from 1.6 to 82.3 mg m -3 , and TSP concentrations ranged from 8.9 to 146.8 mg m -3 . Based on the calculated 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) concentration of all samples, 18.2% of the 8-hour TWA RESP concentrations exceeded the ACGIH-recommended respirable dust concentration of 3 mg m -3 , and 27.3% of the 8-hour TWA TSP concentrations exceeded the ACGIH-recommended total dust concentration of 610 mg m -3 . The results strengthen the need for relevant agricultural safety education programs to help farm workers understand the health hazards associated with grain dust. Keywords: Grain dust concentrations, Occupational health, On-farm grain storage bins.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Heather Kelejian

  University of Missouri

  6 shared

• Yang Geng

  6 shared

• Laura Akgerman

  The Ohio State University

  4 shared

• J. R. Wilkins

  The Ohio State University

  4 shared

• Jessie Calero

  University of Missouri

  4 shared

• Karen Funkenbusch

  4 shared

• Andrew J. Mann

  3 shared

• Sonia A. Duffy

  3 shared