Sow the seeds of safety: 5 tips to keep agriculture workers well and on the job

Summer months are ahead, and agriculture production is ramping up. So are the risks of worker accidents, illness and injury. From tending livestock to cultivating crops, agriculture workers face a litany of physical, chemical and biological hazards and are at the highest risk for occupational injury and fatalities. When workers are injured or ill, that means lost work time and a hit to your bottom line.

Here are five tips to keep agricultural workers safe and injury free—and your operations humming.

1. Make protective gear a priority

Outdoor work and tasks performed inside agricultural buildings come with hazards that can affect workers’ eyes, ears, lungs and skin. No matter the size of the job, ensure employees are equipped with the right safety gear, including:

• Basic equipment, such as seat belts, goggles, gloves and face shields
• Hearing protection
• Properly rated face respirators and chemical-resistant gloves and clothing to protect against exposure to chemicals, allergens, dust and other harmful elements.

2. Keep an eye on ergonomics

Ergonomics isn’t just for desk work or the assembly line. Strains, sprains and repetitive use injuries are common among agriculture workers required to work in stooped positions, reach above shoulder level, perform repetitive tasks with wrists and hands, carry heavy loads in awkward positions and use power tools and machinery for prolonged periods.

• When possible, have workers rotate job functions to prevent overuse injuries
• Train employees on proper lifting and manual material handling practices
• Provide equipment that eliminates ground-level work, including tables, troughs, benches and planting carts
• Provide floor mats for standing work stations to reduce fatigue
• To reduce the effects of whole body and hand-arm vibration, allow 10-15 minute breaks each hour for workers operating power tools, vehicles and heavy equipment.

The National Ag Safety Database offers more ergonomic solutions.

3. Turn down the heat

Physically demanding agriculture work is done mostly outdoors and often in hot conditions. As temperatures climb, so do the risks of heat-related illness, particularly among new workers who may not have built up a tolerance to a hot working environment.

• Provide access to drinking water and frequent hydration breaks
• Ensure workers have a shaded area for rest breaks
• Know the signs of heat-related illness (headaches, dizziness, cramps, fainting, rapid heartbeat and disorientation), and make sure workers know what to look for. If someone display symptoms, respond promptly and ensure they receive immediate medical care.

4. Keep tractor safety top of mind

According to OSHA, most agricultural worker injuries and fatalities are caused by tractors, including rollovers, runovers and unintended contact with attachments or implements.

• Ensure tractors are in proper working order and outfitted with safety guards and devices, such as a Roll-Over Protective Structure (ROPS) with a seatbelt.
• Make sure workers are properly trained and aware of safety risks when using tractors, including proper mounting/dismounting, front-end loader safety and the hazards of power take-off shafts. Learn more about protecting workers from tractor hazards.
• Invest in proper machine guarding to reduce the likelihood of accidents for operators and keep flying debris away from other workers in the area.

5. Create (and follow) a COVID-19 safety plan

When it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19, agriculture worksites face unique challenges, including frequent close contact with co-workers and shared transportation, tools and equipment. To keep workers safe and healthy, follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

• Ensure workers wear a cloth face coverings and gloves. (In hot summer months, face coverings may contribute to heat-related illness. Be sure to increase water and work breaks.)
• Provide handwashing stations and encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water
• Increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfecting shared equipment and spaces
• When possible, ensure workers maintain proper social distancing, even when wearing masks
• Provide health screenings (temperature checks and symptom review)
• Encourage workers to get vaccinated when they are eligible

Reap the benefits of a healthy workforce

We understand how important it is to keep your employees safe, healthy and on the job. That’s why MultiCare Occupational Medicine offers comprehensive services to meet your needs, from employment physicals and screenings to injury and return-to-work care.

When you partner with us, employees have access to any of our Occupational Medicine clinics, as well as our Indigo Health urgent care clinic locations. When minor injuries or illness happen, Indigo Health is open every day of the week, 8 am to 8 pm, including weekends and holidays. And if you or your employees need care after hours or during weekends for a minor workplace injury, our trusted, friendly providers are available for initial injury assessment and will seamlessly coordinate care with our Occupational Medicine providers. When additional care is needed, MultiCare Occupational Medicine is connected to all the resources of MultiCare Health System, including its team of orthopedic and rehabilitation specialists.