How to prevent Agriculture related Injuries

How to prevent Agriculture related Injuries

Working in the agriculture industry can be dangerous. Agriculture-related injuries, such as from farm equipment or vehicles, can be life-threatening. You can take steps to keep yourself and others safe when working in the agriculture industry.

What are some common types of agriculture-related injuries?

Many types of agriculture-related injuries happen each year, such as:

  • Injuries from vehicles, such as tractors. These vehicles can be very dangerous if they roll over.
  • Falls.
  • Injuries from machinery.
  • Suffocation.
  • Muscle and bone injuries from muscle strain and heavy lifting.

Other injuries and illness can result from:

  • Unclean drinking water.
  • Unclean conditions.
  • Exposure to chemicals.
  • Working in hot or cold conditions.
  • Noisy equipment. This can lead to hearing loss.
  • Working with animals.

What changes can be made?

Personal safety

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after contact with animals or animal waste. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
  • Drink plenty of water during the day.
  • Take breaks to cool down in hot weather and to warm up in cold weather. Wear layers of clothing to keep a comfortable body temperature.
  • Make sure that no strings, loose hair, or loose clothing can get caught in equipment.
  • Try to get enough sleep before working.
  • Use chemicals properly.
    • Avoid skin contact with chemicals.
    • If you work with poisons (toxins) or dangerous materials, wear a mask. These include corn dust, manure, insecticides, pesticides, and seed corn.
  • Do not use drugs, alcohol, or prescription pain medicine before or during work.

Training and using equipment

  • Make sure that all equipment and machinery works well and is checked often.
  • Follow all safety rules for any equipment that you use.
  • Always be careful when using equipment and vehicles. Make sure you have enough training to use equipment.
  • When working with dangerous equipment, work with another person. This ensures that you will have help if you have an accident.
  • Make sure you are trained in animal care and the use of restraining equipment.

Protective gear

  • Wear protective gear at all times. If you work around loud equipment, wear ear protection.
  • If you use power tools or electrical tools, make sure they are grounded to prevent electric shock (electrocution).
  • Use all safety features provided on tools and equipment. Do not remove safety items.

What can happen if changes are not made?

Agricultural accidents can have serious effects on you and others, such as:

  • Pain.
  • Broken bones.
  • Serious injury, permanent disability, or death.
  • Sickness from bacteria or chemical exposure.
  • Dehydration.
  • Heat-related illness.
  • Hearing loss.

Contact a health care provider if:

  • You are injured, you feel pain, or you feel ill when working.
  • You are exposed to dangerous chemicals.
  • You are injured by an animal.
  • You have symptoms of dehydration, infection, or fever.
  • You fall.
  • You have hearing loss.

Where to find more information

Learn more about preventing agriculture-related injuries from:

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/aginjury
  • U.S. Department of Labor: www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/agriculturaloperations/hazards_controls.html
  • National Safety Council: www.nsc.org/Membership%20Site%20Document%20Library/Keeping-Our-Farms-Safe—a-checklist.pdf
  • The American Society of Safety Engineers: www.asse.org/newsroom/safetytips/farm-safety-tips
  • National Ag Safety Database: nasdonline.org

Summary

  • Always follow all safety rules.
  • Always get proper training for any tools, equipment, or machinery that you work with.
  • Make sure that all equipment and machinery works well and is checked often.
  • Not following safety guidelines can have serious and life-threatening effects on your health.
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