Farming may be the backbone of our food system, but it’s also one of the most dangerous occupations. According to a Penn State study, 60,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal, agriculture-related injuries from 2015 to 2019.1 From machinery accidents to chemical exposure, the risks are real, but most are preventable. Here’s how you can brush up on practical farm safety practices that can protect your health, your team, and your livelihood.
Farm safety practices
#1 Proper equipment usage
Install safety features - Tractor rollovers are the leading cause of fatal farm injuries, but most of these deaths are preventable with rollover protection structures (ROPS) and seat belts. ROPS are designed to create a protective zone around the operator during a rollover, reducing the risk of crushing injuries. When used with a seat belt, ROPS are 99% effective in preventing death or serious injury in overturn accidents.2
Avoid extra riders – While tractor rides can be a thrill for little children, it can be dangerous to let them or other passengers ride along. Also, make sure no children are around any idle machinery.
Grain entrapment – A grain silo, either partially or completely full, poses a significant risk to anyone who enters it. Grain can entrap and engulf a worker in just a few seconds, often leading to fatal outcomes. These hazards typically arise when workers enter storage structures to address grain flow issues. So, the best way to avoid these dangers is to never enter a bin and only use external tools, such as auger sweeps, bin whips or bin drills.
PTO safety – Power take-offs (PTOs) can easily catch a loose sleeve, a piece of clothing, a limb, or hair, quickly causing bodily harm or even death. PTO accidents often occur when shields or guards are removed or missing, or when someone is working around the PTO while it is engaged. Ensure that shields and guards are kept in place and promptly replaced if they become damaged. Always disengage the PTO and turn off the tractor when you need to clean, service or adjust any equipment.
Use protective gear – Wearing the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can protect you from the risks of exposure to farm chemicals or while operating machinery. Additionally, when you are fixing or servicing machinery, a lockout/tagout system can prevent someone else from restarting the electrical or mechanical aspects of the machine. Carry a personal lock and key to prevent accidental activation.
#2 Farm hazard identification
Conduct regular inspections – Being aware of what’s going on around your farm can make a big difference when it comes to safety. Look for potential hazards that could cause problems later on, like faulty machinery or unsafe structures. Don’t procrastinate on fixing these issues, as you never know when something can go wrong.
Be on the lookout for health hazards, which can include exposure to farm chemicals, loud noises, high temperatures and biological agents. Unsafe farming practices, exposed electrical wiring and machinery can also pose a risk to your health.
Develop a hazard log – While planting, tending and harvesting your crops is often at the forefront of your mind, don’t skip taking some time to do a hazard audit around your farm. A hazard audit may feel like a waste of time now, but failing to identify and resolve hazards can cost you time and safety later. Make notes about potential dangers on the farm before they cause harm. By regularly walking through work areas and noting hazards, like exposed moving parts, chemical storage issues, or trip hazards, you can take corrective action and prevent accidents before they happen.3
#3 Farm emergency plan
Developing a farm emergency plan can significantly reduce harm or injuries during incidents such as fires, chemical spills or severe weather events. This farm emergency plan should detail evacuation procedures and emergency contacts and designate responsibilities for all workers. Equipping the farm with accessible emergency tools, like fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and clearly marked exits, is vital. Additionally, providing frequent training helps all farm employees become familiar with emergency procedures and the proper use of equipment.
#4 Conduct regular maintenance of farm machinery
Most farmers understand that regular maintenance of their farm machinery is essential to ensure everything operates properly. However, it can often get pushed down the to-do list as things get busy. Any parts that are worn or broken need to be replaced immediately, and not just temporarily fixed to get by until next season.
Having a premade checklist can make inspections and maintenance tasks easier. Things to include are:
- Inspect brakes, hitches, safety chains, springs, and shackles on equipment
- Check tire inflation and treads
- Inspect hydraulic and air lines regularly for wear and cracks.
#5 Safe handling of farm chemicals
Properly storing, handling, and disposing of farm chemicals will protect not only you but also your land, family, and neighbors. Always keep farm chemicals locked in an area away from children, animals, food supplies, and medical items. When handling either dry or wet chemicals, wear the proper PPE and follow all label instructions.
Improper disposal of pesticides, fertilizers, and other farm chemicals can pollute waterways, soil, and surrounding ecosystems. To prevent pollution, always follow label directions for storage and disposal, and never pour leftover chemicals down drains, into ditches, or near wells. Collect and dispose of hazardous waste through approved collection programs, and take steps to prevent runoff by applying chemicals only under the right weather conditions.
Farm work will always carry risks, but with the right safety behaviors and mindset, many accidents can be avoided. Taking time to plan, prepare, and protect yourself and your team can make all the difference.
Experts are available to help you hone your farm safety practices. Reach out to a nearby extension office agent or a professional like your regional BASF representative.
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Endnotes
- Michael, Judd, and Jeff Mulhollem. “Study Reveals Agriculture-Related Injuries More Numerous than Previously Known.” Penn State Extension, 2021, https://extension.psu.edu/study-reveals-agriculture-related-injuries-more-numerous-than-previously-known.
- Murphy, Dennis J. “Rollover Protection for Farm Tractor Operators.” Penn State Extension, 2022, https://extension.psu.edu/rollover-protection-for-farm-tractor-operators.
- Sadaka, Sammy. “On-Farm Hazards and Accident Prevention.” University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research & Extension, FSA1061, 2015, https://uaex.uada.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-1061.pdf.
