Keeping Farmers Safe

"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..."
  Farmers

Health Status and Health Care Access of Farm and Rural Populations
"Rural residents have higher rates of age-adjusted mortality, disability, and chronic disease than their urban counterparts, though mortality and disability rates vary more by region than by metro status. Contributing negatively to the health status of rural residents are their lower socioeconomic status, higher incidence of both smoking and obesity, and lower levels of physical activity. Contributing negatively to the health status of farmers are the high risks from workplace hazards, which also affect other members of farm families who live on the premises and often share in the work; contributing positively are farmers’ higher socioeconomic status, lower incidence of smoking, and more active lifestyle. Both farm and rural populations experience lower access to health care along the dimensions of affordability, proximity, and quality, compared with their nonfarm and urban counterparts."