The Motherbox Concept is based on the principle that convenient, readily available personal protective equipment (PPE) is critical to the success of farmers using PPE when needed. Secondary to convenience and access are cost, motivation, and education.

What is the Motherbox Concept?

The Motherbox is a centrally located supply of PPE on the farm capable of holding a four month supply of PPE required for the farmoperation. The Motherbox can be a storage cabinet, storage box, or a shelf located in high traffic, central location on the operation.

In addition to the Motherbox, individuals carry a supply of PPE they need for daily work (a satellite box). A satellite box could be a fanny pack, a toolbox, or some other portable method of carrying around their PPE which is also easily accessible and convenient on a daily basis. The satellite boxes should be restocked weekly and more often if necessary.

The Motherbox stores the main supply of PPE on the farm where individuals can restock their personal supply of PPE (their satellite box) as needed.

How to implement the Motherbox Concept

The farm operator, family members, and employees must identify areas on the farm and the associated tasks which require PPE and develop a list of the needed PPE. A four month supply should be ordered initially to stock up the Motherbox and satellite boxes.

A list containing all of the items in the Motherbox should be generated and placed with the Motherbox. Once a month, the assigned “PPE person” should inventory the PPE supply and reorder as needed to maintain a consistent supply of PPE on the farm.