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Keeping Farmers Safe

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Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries, with farmers being at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. Their work is physical and requires the use of equipment, heavy machinery, and chemicals, among exposure to other risky conditions like rural traffic and tractor interactions, hearing loss, heat, and stress.

By bringing awareness to the safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry, we can help save lives and resources through the prevention of injuries and lost time on the job.

FACTS ABOUT FARMER SAFETY

  • Farm life can be demanding and stressful. Action steps to help someone in emotional distress include: (1) Ask; (2) Keep them safe; (3) Be there; (4) Help them connect; and (5) Stay connected.
  • Tractors are an important tool on the farm, but they are also the number one cause of death. It’s important to make sure tractors are equipped with seat belts and roll over protection.
  • Being prepared for an emergency can be the difference between life and death. Work with family, employer and employees to create an Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for orderly evacuation and quick response.
  • Confined spaces can stir up dust and dangerous fumes. Ensure proper ventilation and use the correct mask to keep safe.
  • Your skin is the largest organ on your body. Make it one of your top priorities by wearing sunglasses, a long sleeve shirt and pants and using sunscreen while in the sun.
March 1-7, 2020 is Ag Safety Awareness Program Week

#VisionOnAgSafety

Agricultural Safety Awareness Program Icon

Partner Resources

The NIOSH-funded Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health (Ag Centers) have partnered with the American Farm Bureau Federation for the 2020 Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week. This week aims to bring awareness to safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry.

They have developed a toolkit to promote specific topics and provide safety resources that fit with the daily themes of ASAP Week.

Learn more about the toolkit and the 2020 Ag Safety Awareness Program Week.

CDC/NIOSH RESOURCES FOR FARMER SAFETY

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to preventing work-related injuries and illnesses among our nation’s agricultural workers.

NIOSH has an extensive Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AgFF) Research Program, which addresses the high risks of injuries and illnesses experienced by workers in this industry.

NIOSH supports extramural research and prevention programs, known as the Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health in 11 states providing resources to 45 states. These programs conduct research on injuries associated with agriculture, as well as pesticide exposure, pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss, and stress.

Check out the links below for more on the NIOSH AgFF program and other NIOSH-related resources.

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural Safety
Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health