Farm Safety Manual

What Should a Farm Safety Manual Include?

The contents of a Farm Safety Manual should reflect the agricultural operations actually performed.

Depending on the farm, the manual may address:

• Farm safety responsibilities.
• Hazard assessments.
• Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA).
• Safety inspections.
• Tractor safety.
• Roll-Over Protective Structures.
• Farm machinery.
• Power take-off equipment.
• Agricultural equipment guarding.
• Farm vehicles.
• ATVs and UTVs.
• Implements and attachments.
• Equipment maintenance.
• Pesticide safety.
• EPA Worker Protection Standard requirements when applicable.
• Fertilizers and agricultural chemicals.
• Grain handling.
• Grain bins and silos.
• Livestock handling.
• Zoonotic diseases.
• Manure handling and storage.
• Irrigation operations.
• Electrical safety.
• Overhead power lines.
• Fuel storage.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Respiratory hazards.
• Noise.
• Heat and cold stress.
• Field sanitation.
• Emergency response.

Programs should be selected according to the farm’s actual operations, equipment, crops, livestock, chemicals, and employee exposures.

Farm Safety Program

An effective Farm Safety Program establishes responsibilities and procedures for identifying hazards, preventing employee injuries and illnesses, maintaining equipment in safe operating condition, and controlling agricultural workplace exposures.

Management should provide employees with appropriate equipment, guards, PPE, training, supervision, maintenance resources, and safe work procedures.

Managers, supervisors, and designated safety personnel should:

• Identify and evaluate workplace hazards.
• Maintain applicable written safety programs.
• Conduct safety inspections.
• Maintain tractors and agricultural equipment.
• Maintain required guards and shields.
• Provide appropriate PPE.
• Evaluate chemical and physical exposures.
• Coordinate pesticide-safety requirements.
• Correct unsafe conditions.
• Investigate workplace incidents.
• Provide employee training.
• Maintain applicable records.

Employees should follow established procedures, inspect equipment, use required guards and PPE, operate machinery only when trained and authorized, and promptly report unsafe conditions, injuries, chemical exposures, equipment defects, and other hazards.

Agricultural Safety Requirements

Agricultural operations have a regulatory structure that differs from many General Industry workplaces.

The farm should determine which occupational safety and health standards apply to its operations based on the work performed, employees, equipment, chemicals, and jurisdiction.

Agricultural safety procedures should be developed around applicable requirements and recognized safe agricultural practices rather than assuming that every General Industry requirement automatically applies to every farming operation.

Farm Hazard Assessments

Hazard assessments should consider:

• Tractors.
• Machinery.
• Implements.
• Livestock.
• Grain storage.
• Chemicals.
• Pesticides.
• Irrigation.
• Vehicles.
• Electrical hazards.
• Noise.
• Dust.
• Weather.
• Employee tasks.

Potential hazards may include:

• Tractor rollovers.
• Machinery entanglement.
• PTO shafts.
• Crushing.
• Pinch points.
• Vehicle incidents.
• Animal injuries.
• Engulfment.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Pesticide exposure.
• Chemical burns.
• Respiratory exposure.
• Noise.
• Heat illness.

Assessments should be reviewed when equipment, crops, livestock, chemicals, or work practices change significantly.

Job Safety Analysis (JSA/JHA)

A JSA/JHA may be used to evaluate higher-risk agricultural activities.

Potential JSAs/JHAs may address:

• Tractor operation.
• Implement attachment.
• PTO-driven equipment.
• Machinery maintenance.
• Grain-bin entry.
• Livestock handling.
• Pesticide mixing and loading.
• Irrigation maintenance.
• Orchard ladder use.
• Equipment towing.
• Manure-storage work.

The analysis should identify job steps, hazards, controls, PPE, and employee responsibilities.

Farm Safety Inspections

Periodic inspections should evaluate workplace conditions and equipment.

Inspection areas may include:

• Tractors.
• Farm machinery.
• PTO guards.
• Shops.
• Barns.
• Grain-storage areas.
• Livestock facilities.
• Chemical storage.
• Pesticide storage.
• Fuel areas.
• Irrigation equipment.
• Electrical equipment.
• Ladders.
• Emergency equipment.

Identified deficiencies should be corrected in a timely manner.

Tractor Safety

Tractors are essential agricultural machines but can expose operators to rollover, runover, entanglement, collision, and other hazards.

Only employees who are appropriately trained and authorized should operate tractors.

Operators should:

• Inspect the tractor.
• Use the seat belt when operating a tractor equipped with ROPS.
• Avoid unnecessary passengers.
• Operate at a safe speed.
• Use caution near slopes, ditches, embankments, and holes.
• Follow safe hitching procedures.
• Secure the tractor before leaving the operator position.

Roll-Over Protective Structures

Covered agricultural tractors should be equipped with required Roll-Over Protective Structures where applicable.

ROPS are intended to create a protective zone for the operator during a rollover.

Operators should not modify, drill, cut, weld, or otherwise alter a ROPS in a manner that could compromise its protective capability unless specifically permitted by the manufacturer or qualified authority.

Tractor Seat Belts

Operators should securely fasten the seat belt when operating tractors equipped with ROPS.

A ROPS and seat belt work together to help keep the operator within the protected zone during a rollover.

Employees should report damaged or inoperative seat belts.

Tractor Rollovers

Operators should reduce rollover risk by:

• Avoiding excessively steep slopes.
• Reducing speed before turns.
• Avoiding sudden turns.
• Staying away from unstable edges.
• Watching for holes and embankments.
• Hitching only at approved points.
• Operating smoothly.

Terrain and field conditions should be evaluated before work begins.

Ditches and Embankments

Tractor operators should maintain sufficient distance from ditches, canals, embankments, washouts, and unstable edges.

Soil near an edge may collapse under the weight of equipment.

Operators should consider both visible terrain and hidden erosion.

Tractor Passengers

Employees should not ride on tractors unless a safe passenger position designed by the manufacturer is provided and the operation permits it.

Riding on fenders, steps, drawbars, or other unauthorized locations can result in falls and runover injuries.

Tractor Starting

Tractors should be started from the operator’s position using normal starting controls.

Employees should not bypass starting systems or attempt unsafe starting methods.

Parking Tractors

Before leaving a tractor unattended, the operator should:

• Stop on a suitable surface.
• Lower attachments when appropriate.
• Place controls in a safe position.
• Set the parking brake.
• Shut down the engine as required.
• Remove the key when appropriate.

Farm Machinery Safety

Agricultural operations may use:

• Combines.
• Harvesters.
• Balers.
• Mowers.
• Augers.
• Conveyors.
• Feed equipment.
• Planters.
• Tillers.
• Choppers.
• Other powered machinery.

Employees should receive equipment-specific training before operation.

Agricultural Equipment Guarding

Guards and shields provided to protect employees from moving machinery parts should remain in place during operation.

Potential hazards include:

• Gears.
• Chains.
• Belts.
• Pulleys.
• Sprockets.
• Shafts.
• Nip points.
• Cutting components.

Damaged or missing guards should be reported and corrected.

Power Take-Off Safety

PTO shafts can cause severe or fatal entanglement injuries.

Required master shields, PTO guards, and driveline shielding should be maintained in place.

Employees should:

• Keep clothing, hair, and body parts away from rotating shafts.
• Never step across a rotating PTO.
• Shut equipment down before adjustment or servicing.
• Replace damaged shields.

PTO Entanglement Prevention

Employees should not wear loose clothing, dangling drawstrings, jewelry, or other items that could become caught in rotating equipment.

A rotating PTO should never be approached merely because it appears to be moving slowly.

Implement Attachment

Employees attaching or disconnecting implements should be alert to:

• Crushing.
• Pinch points.
• Unexpected movement.
• Hydraulic pressure.
• Equipment instability.

Employees should remain clear of areas between moving tractors and implements unless the equipment is secured and their work requires entry.

Three-Point Hitch Safety

Employees should keep clear of the area between the tractor and implement while equipment is being positioned.

Communication should be established when more than one employee is involved.

No employee should stand where unexpected tractor or implement movement could crush them.

Hydraulic Equipment

Hydraulic systems can contain high pressure even after machinery has been shut down.

Employees should:

• Lower or secure raised equipment.
• Relieve pressure before servicing.
• Inspect hoses and fittings.
• Keep hands away from suspected high-pressure leaks.

High-pressure hydraulic fluid can penetrate the skin and requires prompt medical attention.

Raised Equipment

Employees should not work beneath raised implements, loader arms, beds, or other components unless they are mechanically blocked or otherwise securely supported.

Hydraulic pressure alone should not be relied upon to support equipment during maintenance.

Farm Machinery Maintenance

Before cleaning, adjusting, unclogging, repairing, or servicing machinery, employees should:

• Stop the equipment.
• Shut down the power source.
• Wait for moving parts to stop.
• Control stored energy.
• Prevent unexpected movement or startup.

Additional energy-isolation procedures should be used when required by the equipment and applicable safety requirements.

Clearing Machinery Jams

Employees should not use hands or feet to clear material from operating machinery.

Equipment should be stopped and hazardous movement or energy controlled before employees enter danger areas.

Appropriate tools should be used where provided.

Farm Vehicles

Agricultural operations may use:

• Pickup trucks.
• Grain trucks.
• Utility vehicles.
• Tank trucks.
• Trailers.
• Other farm vehicles.

Only appropriately authorized employees should operate vehicles.

Drivers should use seat belts, control speed, avoid distracted driving, and adjust operation for terrain, weather, loads, and traffic.

Backing Safety

Backing farm vehicles and equipment can create severe struck-by hazards.

Operators should check the backing path before movement.

Spotters or other controls should be used when necessary.

Operators should stop if they lose sight of a spotter.

Farm Roads

Farm roads should be evaluated for:

• Narrow areas.
• Blind curves.
• Steep grades.
• Soft shoulders.
• Bridges.
• Ditches.
• Pedestrians.
• Livestock.
• Equipment traffic.

Drivers should operate according to conditions.

Public Road Travel

Tractors and farm machinery operated on public roads should comply with applicable vehicle, lighting, marking, and traffic requirements.

Operators should consider:

• Slow vehicle speed.
• Width.
• Visibility.
• Turning.
• Following traffic.
• Implements.

Employees should use additional caution when entering or crossing public roads.

ATVs and UTVs

ATVs and utility vehicles may be used for field inspection, livestock work, irrigation, transportation, and other farm activities.

Employees should receive appropriate training before operating these vehicles.

Operators should:

• Follow manufacturer limitations.
• Wear required protective equipment.
• Control speed.
• Avoid unsafe slopes.
• Consider cargo and passenger limits.
• Use seat belts where equipped and required.

ATV Rollover Hazards

Operators should avoid abrupt turns, excessive speed, unsafe slopes, and loads that affect vehicle stability.

ATVs should not be operated as though they have the stability characteristics of passenger vehicles.

UTV Passengers

Passengers should ride only in designated seating positions.

Employees should not ride in cargo areas or other locations not intended for passengers.

Farm Shop Safety

Farm shops may involve:

• Welding.
• Grinding.
• Cutting.
• Vehicle maintenance.
• Machinery repair.
• Batteries.
• Compressed gases.
• Chemicals.
• Electrical equipment.

Appropriate shop safety procedures should reflect the work performed.

Hand and Power Tools

Tools should be inspected before use.

Damaged tools should be removed from service.

Employees should use tools according to their intended purpose and manufacturer instructions.

Welding and Hot Work

Farm maintenance may involve welding, cutting, brazing, or grinding.

Hot Work procedures should address:

• Combustible material.
• Fuel.
• Grain dust.
• Hay.
• Chemicals.
• Gas cylinders.
• Fire protection.

Employees should evaluate the surrounding area before Hot Work begins.

Compressed Gas Cylinders

Compressed gas cylinders should be identified, secured, protected from damage, and stored appropriately.

Employees should use suitable carts or other equipment when moving cylinders.

Oxygen equipment should be protected from oil and grease.

Electrical Safety

Agricultural electrical hazards may involve:

• Farm buildings.
• Irrigation equipment.
• Pumps.
• Portable tools.
• Extension cords.
• Machinery.
• Outdoor electrical equipment.

Damaged electrical equipment should be removed from service or repaired by appropriately qualified personnel.

Overhead Power Lines

Tall equipment, irrigation pipe, grain augers, ladders, dump beds, sprayers, and other agricultural equipment can contact overhead electrical lines.

Before moving or raising equipment, employees should identify overhead power-line hazards and maintain applicable clearances.

Employees should never assume an overhead line is de-energized.

Irrigation Safety

Irrigation operations may involve:

• Electrical equipment.
• Pumps.
• Pressure.
• Canals.
• Wells.
• Moving equipment.
• Chemical injection.
• Slippery surfaces.

Employees should receive training appropriate to the systems they operate or maintain.

Irrigation Pipe Handling

Long irrigation pipe can contact overhead power lines.

Employees should identify overhead hazards before lifting or moving pipe.

Where possible, pipe should be carried horizontally and controlled to prevent unintended contact.

Pumps

Employees servicing pumps should control electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and pressure hazards before work begins.

Guards should remain in place during normal operation.

Canals and Water Hazards

Employees working near irrigation canals, ponds, reservoirs, or other bodies of water may be exposed to drowning hazards.

Work procedures should reflect:

• Water depth.
• Current.
• Bank stability.
• Equipment.
• Work location.
• Rescue considerations.

Pesticide Safety

Agricultural pesticides can expose workers and handlers during mixing, loading, application, equipment cleaning, crop work, and other activities.

Pesticides should be used according to:

• Product labeling.
• Applicable EPA requirements.
• Worker Protection Standard requirements when applicable.
• State requirements.
• Company procedures.

Employees should not use pesticides for tasks for which they are not appropriately trained or authorized.

EPA Worker Protection Standard — When Applicable

Agricultural establishments covered by the EPA Worker Protection Standard should maintain procedures addressing applicable protections for agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.

Depending on employee duties and pesticide use, requirements may address:

• Pesticide safety training.
• Application information.
• Safety Data Sheets.
• Application restrictions.
• Restricted-entry intervals.
• Decontamination supplies.
• Emergency assistance.
• PPE.
• Handler protections.
• Information exchange.

The farm should determine which Worker Protection Standard requirements apply to its operations.

Pesticide Workers and Handlers

Worker Protection Standard requirements distinguish between agricultural workers and pesticide handlers.

Employees should understand which activities they are authorized to perform.

Handler activities may include:

• Mixing.
• Loading.
• Applying pesticides.
• Handling opened pesticide containers.
• Cleaning pesticide equipment.
• Repairing contaminated application equipment.
• Assisting with pesticide applications.

Pesticide Safety Training

Covered workers and handlers should receive required pesticide-safety training.

Training should be provided using appropriate materials and at required intervals.

Employees should understand how to recognize and report potential pesticide exposure.

Pesticide Labels

Pesticide labeling establishes legally enforceable directions and precautions for product use.

Employees should follow label requirements involving:

• PPE.
• Application.
• Mixing.
• Restricted entry.
• Storage.
• Disposal.
• First aid.

Products should not be used in a manner inconsistent with applicable labeling.

Restricted-Entry Intervals

Employees should not enter pesticide-treated areas during applicable restricted-entry intervals unless entry is permitted under applicable requirements and required protections are provided.

Treated areas and application information should be communicated as required.

Application Exclusion Zones

Where applicable, pesticide applications should be conducted in accordance with Worker Protection Standard Application Exclusion Zone requirements.

Employees and other persons should be kept out of required areas during applications.

Pesticide Mixing and Loading

Mixing and loading can create concentrated pesticide exposure.

Employees should:

• Review the label.
• Wear required PPE.
• Use appropriate measuring and transfer equipment.
• Prevent splashes.
• Control spills.
• Maintain decontamination supplies.

Employees should not use food or beverage containers for pesticides.

Pesticide Application Equipment

Application equipment should be inspected and maintained.

Employees should report:

• Leaks.
• Damaged hoses.
• Defective nozzles.
• Broken fittings.
• Malfunctioning controls.

Equipment containing pesticide residues should be handled using appropriate precautions.

Pesticide PPE

PPE should be selected and used according to product labeling and applicable requirements.

PPE may include:

• Chemical-resistant gloves.
• Protective clothing.
• Eye protection.
• Face protection.
• Chemical-resistant footwear.
• Respiratory protection where required.

Employees should understand how to put on, remove, clean, and store required PPE.

Pesticide Decontamination

Required decontamination supplies should be provided where applicable.

Employees should know the location of:

• Water.
• Soap.
• Towels.
• Emergency eyewash where required.
• Other decontamination resources.

Contaminated clothing should be removed and handled appropriately.

Pesticide Exposure Response

Employees should promptly report suspected pesticide exposure.

Emergency procedures should provide access to appropriate medical assistance and applicable pesticide information.

Employees should not delay seeking medical attention when symptoms suggest significant exposure.

Pesticide Storage

Pesticides should be stored:

• In labeled containers.
• In secure areas.
• According to label requirements.
• Away from incompatible materials.
• To prevent unauthorized access.

Food, feed, and personal items should be protected from contamination.

Fertilizer Safety

Fertilizers may present chemical, fire, reactive, dust, or material-handling hazards depending on the product.

Employees should understand the hazards of the fertilizers they handle and use appropriate:

• Storage.
• Handling.
• PPE.
• Spill procedures.

Anhydrous Ammonia — When Applicable

Agricultural operations using anhydrous ammonia should establish specialized procedures for its storage, transfer, application, and emergency response.

Anhydrous ammonia can cause severe respiratory, eye, and skin injury.

Employees should receive appropriate training before working with ammonia systems.

Ammonia Equipment

Tanks, hoses, valves, fittings, and transfer equipment should be inspected and maintained.

Employees should not use damaged equipment.

Emergency water and other required protective resources should be available as applicable.

Fuel Storage and Handling

Farms may store:

• Gasoline.
• Diesel.
• Propane.
• Other fuels.

Fuel-storage and transfer procedures should address:

• Ignition sources.
• Containers and tanks.
• Spill prevention.
• Vehicle impact.
• Fire protection.
• Static electricity where applicable.

Propane Safety

Propane cylinders and tanks should be protected from damage and handled according to applicable requirements.

Employees should report leaks and avoid ignition sources.

Grain Handling

Farms that harvest, store, or move grain may expose employees to:

• Engulfment.
• Suffocation.
• Augers.
• Conveyors.
• Grain dust.
• Falls.
• Hazardous atmospheres.
• Machinery.

Grain operations should be evaluated according to the equipment and storage systems used.

Grain Bins and Silos

Employees should not enter grain bins, silos, or similar structures without appropriate hazard evaluation and entry procedures.

Potential hazards may include:

• Flowing grain.
• Bridged grain.
• Vertical grain walls.
• Oxygen deficiency.
• Toxic atmospheres.
• Machinery.
• Falls.

Grain Engulfment

Employees should not enter or walk on grain when unloading or other operations could cause grain to flow.

Flowing grain can engulf a person rapidly.

Equipment that creates a grain-flow hazard should be shut down and appropriately controlled before entry.

Bridged Grain

Employees should not walk on or stand beneath bridged grain.

A crusted surface may conceal a void and collapse without warning.

Employees should use safe methods that do not require standing on unstable grain.

Grain Walls

Employees should not work beneath vertical or overhanging accumulations of grain that could collapse.

Material should be managed using procedures that keep employees outside the collapse zone.

Grain Augers

Augers can cause severe entanglement and amputation injuries.

Guards should remain in place.

Employees should stop equipment and control hazardous movement before clearing jams or performing maintenance.

Grain Conveyors

Employees should remain clear of moving conveyor components and use designated crossings.

Guards should not be removed during normal operation.

Grain Dust

Grain dust can create respiratory and, under certain conditions, combustible-dust hazards.

Facilities should evaluate:

• Dust generation.
• Ignition sources.
• Housekeeping.
• Ventilation.
• Electrical equipment.
• Employee exposure.

Grain Fumigation — When Applicable

Grain fumigants can create serious toxic-atmosphere hazards.

Only appropriately trained and authorized employees should perform fumigation-related work.

Procedures should address:

• Product hazards.
• Restricted access.
• Atmospheric monitoring.
• PPE.
• Respiratory protection.
• Emergency response.

Livestock Safety

Livestock can cause serious injuries through:

• Kicking.
• Biting.
• Crushing.
• Charging.
• Trampling.
• Pinning.

Employees should receive training appropriate to the animals they handle.

Animal Behavior

Employees should understand animal behavior and recognize signs of:

• Fear.
• Aggression.
• Stress.
• Territorial behavior.
• Maternal behavior.

Animals should be approached and moved using methods that minimize unnecessary stress and employee exposure.

Livestock Handling Facilities

Pens, gates, alleys, chutes, and other handling equipment should be maintained in safe condition.

Employees should have practical escape routes where appropriate.

Damaged gates, latches, fencing, and equipment should be repaired.

Bulls and Other Aggressive Animals

Employees should use additional precautions around bulls and other animals known or likely to be aggressive.

Employees should avoid entering areas where they could become trapped without a safe escape route.

Animal Restraint

Appropriate restraint methods should be used for veterinary treatment, identification, loading, or other animal-care activities.

Employees should not rely on body strength alone when safer restraint equipment is available.

Livestock Loading and Unloading

Loading and unloading animals can expose employees to:

• Crushing.
• Kicks.
• Falls.
• Gates.
• Ramps.
• Vehicle movement.

Facilities and procedures should be arranged to reduce animal and employee stress.

Zoonotic Diseases

Employees working with animals may be exposed to diseases that can spread between animals and humans.

Potential exposure routes may include:

• Direct animal contact.
• Blood.
• Saliva.
• Urine.
• Feces.
• Respiratory secretions.
• Contaminated surfaces.

Employees should use appropriate hygiene and PPE.

Animal Needles and Sharps

Employees performing animal-health activities should handle needles and sharps safely.

Used needles should be placed into suitable sharps containers.

Employees should avoid unnecessary recapping or manipulation of used needles.

Manure Handling

Manure can expose employees to:

• Biological hazards.
• Slips.
• Machinery.
• Toxic gases.
• Oxygen deficiency.

Procedures should reflect the collection, storage, and handling systems used.

Manure Storage Structures

Manure pits, tanks, and similar structures can contain dangerous atmospheres.

Potential gases may include:

• Hydrogen sulfide.
• Methane.
• Ammonia.
• Carbon dioxide.

Employees should not enter manure-storage structures without appropriate hazard evaluation, atmospheric testing, entry procedures, and rescue planning.

Agitation of Manure

Agitating or pumping manure can release dangerous gases.

Employees and animals should be kept away from areas where hazardous concentrations may develop.

Ventilation and other precautions should reflect the facility design.

Respiratory Hazards

Agricultural employees may be exposed to:

• Grain dust.
• Organic dust.
• Mold.
• Animal allergens.
• Pesticides.
• Fumigants.
• Welding fumes.
• Ammonia.
• Other contaminants.

Employers should evaluate respiratory hazards according to the materials and operations present.

Respiratory Protection — When Applicable

Where respirators are required, the employer should establish an appropriate respiratory-protection program consistent with applicable requirements.

Elements may include:

• Hazard evaluation.
• Respirator selection.
• Medical evaluation.
• Fit testing.
• Training.
• Inspection.
• Maintenance.

Dust Control

Dust should be controlled using practical engineering and work-practice measures.

Potential controls may include:

• Ventilation.
• Enclosed equipment.
• Dust collection.
• Wet methods where appropriate.
• Housekeeping.
• Reduced employee exposure.

Noise Exposure

Farm employees may be exposed to noise from:

• Tractors.
• Harvesters.
• Grain equipment.
• Livestock facilities.
• Shop equipment.
• Irrigation pumps.
• Other machinery.

Employee exposure should be evaluated where hazardous noise may be present.

Hearing Protection

Appropriate hearing protection should be provided and used when required by applicable requirements or the hazard assessment.

Employees should receive instruction on proper use and care.

Personal Protective Equipment

PPE should be selected according to employee hazards.

Depending on operations, PPE may include:

• Safety glasses.
• Goggles.
• Face shields.
• Gloves.
• Chemical-resistant clothing.
• Protective footwear.
• Hearing protection.
• High-visibility apparel.
• Respiratory protection.
• Head protection.

PPE requirements for pesticide work should also reflect applicable product labeling and Worker Protection Standard requirements.

Eye and Face Protection

Eye or face protection may be necessary for:

• Pesticides.
• Fertilizers.
• Chemicals.
• Grinding.
• Welding.
• Dust.
• Flying debris.

Emergency eyewash facilities should be provided where required by the chemical hazards present.

Hand Protection

Gloves should be selected according to the task.

Different gloves may be necessary for:

• Pesticides.
• Chemicals.
• Animal handling.
• Sharp materials.
• Mechanical work.

Employees should understand glove limitations.

Field Sanitation

Covered agricultural operations should provide field sanitation facilities as required.

Applicable provisions may address:

• Potable drinking water.
• Toilets.
• Handwashing facilities.
• Reasonable employee access.
• Employee notification.

Facilities should be maintained in sanitary condition.

Drinking Water

Employees should have access to potable drinking water as required.

Common drinking cups should not be used.

Additional water should be provided where necessary for heat-illness prevention.

Handwashing

Handwashing facilities should be available where required and should support good hygiene before eating, drinking, smoking, or using toilet facilities.

Additional decontamination requirements may apply to pesticide workers and handlers.

Heat Stress Prevention

Agricultural employees frequently perform strenuous outdoor work in hot conditions.

Heat-illness prevention procedures should consider:

• Drinking water.
• Rest.
• Shade or cooling.
• Acclimatization.
• Workload.
• Clothing.
• Weather.
• Employee monitoring.

Employees should understand the signs and symptoms of heat illness.

Acclimatization

New employees and employees returning after an extended absence may need time to adapt to hot working conditions.

Workloads and exposure should be increased progressively where appropriate.

Supervisors should closely observe employees during high-risk periods.

Heat Illness Response

Employees showing signs of serious heat illness should receive prompt assistance.

Emergency medical services should be contacted when severe symptoms are present.

An affected employee should not be left alone when serious heat illness is suspected.

Cold Stress

Agricultural employees may work in cold, wet, or windy conditions.

Procedures should consider:

• Protective clothing.
• Warming opportunities.
• Weather.
• Work duration.
• Employee monitoring.

Severe Weather

Farm operations may be affected by:

• Lightning.
• Tornadoes.
• Severe thunderstorms.
• High winds.
• Flooding.
• Wildfire.
• Extreme heat.
• Extreme cold.

Employees should know when outdoor or equipment operations should be suspended and where safe shelter is located.

Lightning

Employees working in open fields, on equipment, near irrigation systems, or around tall structures may be exposed to lightning hazards.

Employees should follow established severe-weather procedures and seek appropriate shelter when dangerous conditions approach.

Wildfire — When Applicable

Farms in wildfire-prone areas should consider:

• Evacuation routes.
• Employee communication.
• Smoke exposure.
• Vehicle access.
• Livestock considerations.
• Emergency shutdown.

Employee life safety should remain the primary consideration.

Ladders

Farm employees may use portable, fixed, or specialized agricultural ladders.

Ladders should be:

• Appropriate for the task.
• Inspected.
• Positioned securely.
• Removed from service when defective.

Employees should maintain secure contact while climbing.

Orchard Ladders — When Applicable

Orchard or tripod ladders should be used only for their intended agricultural purpose.

Employees should receive instruction on:

• Proper setup.
• Terrain.
• Stability.
• Climbing.
• Positioning.
• Load limits.

Employees should not use orchard ladders on surfaces or for tasks for which they are not designed.

Manual Material Handling

Agricultural employees may manually handle:

• Feed.
• Seed.
• Fertilizer.
• Produce.
• Hay.
• Tools.
• Containers.
• Animal-care supplies.

Mechanical assistance or team lifting should be used when appropriate.

Ergonomics

Agricultural work may involve:

• Repetitive harvesting.
• Bending.
• Stooping.
• Reaching.
• Lifting.
• Carrying.
• Shoveling.
• Equipment vibration.

Work methods and equipment should be evaluated to reduce unnecessary physical stress.

Material Handling Equipment

Forklifts, loaders, pallet equipment, conveyors, and other mechanical devices may be used to reduce manual handling.

Employees should receive appropriate training before operating specialized equipment.

Slips, Trips and Falls

Farm workplaces may contain:

• Mud.
• Water.
• Manure.
• Uneven terrain.
• Hoses.
• Tools.
• Feed.
• Ice.
• Debris.

Walking areas should be maintained as safely as practical.

Employees should use footwear appropriate to the conditions.

Housekeeping

Farm buildings, shops, barns, packing areas, and storage facilities should be maintained to reduce:

• Fire hazards.
• Trip hazards.
• Pest problems.
• Blocked exits.
• Equipment access problems.

Waste and combustible material should be controlled.

Young and Inexperienced Workers

Young, seasonal, temporary, and inexperienced employees may require additional instruction and supervision.

Employees should not operate hazardous equipment or perform restricted work unless legally permitted, appropriately trained, and authorized.

Supervisors should verify that employees understand instructions before assigning higher-risk work.

Seasonal Workers

Seasonal employees should receive safety orientation appropriate to their assigned duties.

Language, literacy, experience, and familiarity with the work should be considered when providing training.

Communication

Employees should receive safety information in a language and vocabulary they can understand.

Supervisors should verify comprehension rather than relying solely on distribution of written materials.

Working Alone

Farm employees may work alone in remote fields, barns, irrigation areas, or other isolated locations.

Procedures should provide practical methods for:

• Communication.
• Periodic contact.
• Emergency assistance.
• Reporting changing conditions.

Higher-risk tasks should be evaluated to determine whether working alone is appropriate.

Remote Work Areas

Employees assigned to remote locations should know:

• Their location.
• How to summon assistance.
• Emergency contact information.
• Access routes.
• Available communication methods.

Fire Prevention

Farm fire hazards may involve:

• Hay.
• Grain.
• Fuel.
• Pesticides.
• Electrical equipment.
• Hot Work.
• Vehicles.
• Machinery.

Fire-prevention procedures should reflect the materials and operations present.

Hay and Combustible Agricultural Materials

Hay, straw, feed, and similar materials should be stored and managed to reduce fire hazards.

Ignition sources should be controlled near combustible storage.

Employees should report unusual heating, smoke, or other signs of fire.

Emergency Action Plan

Farm emergency procedures should reflect the operation and location.

Potential emergencies may include:

• Fire.
• Severe weather.
• Pesticide exposure.
• Chemical release.
• Tractor rollover.
• Machinery entanglement.
• Grain engulfment.
• Animal injury.
• Manure-gas exposure.
• Medical emergency.

Employees should understand emergency communication and response procedures.

Emergency Communication

Remote agricultural operations should maintain reliable methods for obtaining emergency assistance.

Employees should know:

• Worksite location.
• Emergency numbers.
• Farm access points.
• Communication methods.
• Information responders may need.

First Aid

Appropriate first-aid resources should be available according to workplace conditions and applicable requirements.

Employees should know how to obtain prompt medical assistance.

Remote work locations should be considered when planning medical response.

Incident Reporting

Employees should promptly report:

• Injuries.
• Illnesses.
• Near misses.
• Tractor incidents.
• Machinery incidents.
• Pesticide exposures.
• Animal injuries.
• Chemical releases.
• Fires.
• Equipment defects.

Prompt reporting helps identify hazards requiring corrective action.

Incident Investigation

Significant incidents should be investigated to identify:

• Immediate causes.
• Contributing factors.
• Root causes.
• Corrective actions.

Investigations should consider equipment, terrain, weather, training, supervision, maintenance, procedures, communication, and employee experience.

Root Cause Analysis

Root Cause Analysis may identify underlying factors involving:

• Equipment selection.
• Guarding.
• Preventive maintenance.
• Training.
• Supervision.
• Work planning.
• Staffing.
• Scheduling.
• Communication.
• Hazard identification.
• Corrective-action systems.

Corrective actions should address identified causes rather than simply restating the rule that was violated.

Farm Safety Training

Employee training should reflect assigned duties and actual hazards.

Depending on responsibilities, training may address:

• Tractor safety.
• ROPS.
• Farm machinery.
• PTO safety.
• Equipment guarding.
• Pesticides.
• Agricultural chemicals.
• Grain handling.
• Livestock.
• Heat stress.
• PPE.
• Emergency procedures.

Task-specific training should be provided before employees independently operate hazardous equipment or perform specialized work.

New Employee Orientation

New employees should receive safety orientation before independently performing assigned duties.

Orientation may address:

• General farm hazards.
• Equipment.
• Restricted activities.
• PPE.
• Chemicals.
• Pesticides.
• Injury reporting.
• Emergency procedures.

Employees should not operate equipment until appropriately trained and authorized.

Safety Meetings

Periodic safety meetings may reinforce safe work practices and address current seasonal hazards.

Potential topics include:

• Tractor rollovers.
• PTO safety.
• Machinery guarding.
• Pesticides.
• Heat stress.
• Grain bins.
• Livestock.
• Severe weather.
• Recent incidents and near misses.

Safety topics should reflect the work currently being performed.

Recordkeeping

Agricultural employers should maintain occupational safety and health records required for their operations.

Records may include:

• Employee training.
• Injury and illness records.
• Equipment inspections.
• Pesticide records.
• Worker Protection Standard records.
• Exposure monitoring.
• Respiratory-protection records where applicable.
• Incident investigations.
• Medical and exposure records.

Records should be retained according to applicable requirements.

Additional Safety Programs

Depending on farm operations and employee exposures, additional programs may be necessary for:

• Tractor Safety.
• Agricultural Equipment Safety.
• Mobile Equipment.
• Farm Vehicle Safety.
• Driver Safety & Defensive Driving.
• ATV/UTV Safety.
• Machine Guarding.
• Equipment Maintenance.
• Hand & Power Tools.
• Welding, Cutting & Hot Work.
• Compressed Gas Cylinders.
• Electrical Safety.
• Working Near Overhead Power Lines.
• Pesticide Safety.
• Hazard Communication.
• Chemical Safety.
• Anhydrous Ammonia.
• Grain Handling.
• Confined Space.
• Hydrogen Sulfide.
• Livestock Handling.
• Zoonotic Disease Exposure Control.
• Respiratory Protection.
• Personal Protective Equipment.
• Eye & Face Protection.
• Hand Protection.
• Hearing Conservation.
• Heat Stress Prevention.
• Cold Stress.
• Manual Lifting & Material Handling.
• Ergonomics.
• Ladder Safety.
• Slips, Trips & Falls.
• Housekeeping.
• Working Alone.
• Severe Weather.
• Fire Prevention.
• Emergency Action Plan.
• First Aid.
• Spill Prevention & Response.
• Incident Reporting & Investigation.
• Root Cause Analysis.

Programs should be included when the farm’s crops, livestock, equipment, pesticides, chemicals, facilities, and employee exposures make them applicable.

Building a Farm Safety Manual

A useful Farm Safety Manual should reflect the type of agricultural operation rather than treating every farm as though it has the same hazards.

A grain farm may require extensive procedures for tractors, combines, augers, grain bins, grain dust, machinery, pesticides, and chemical handling.

A livestock operation may require greater emphasis on animal handling, manure storage, zoonotic disease, tractors, feed equipment, and respiratory hazards.

An orchard or vineyard may require additional procedures for orchard ladders, tractors, sprayers, pesticides, heat stress, field sanitation, harvesting, and seasonal workers.

A dairy farm may require specialized procedures for cattle handling, milking operations, manure systems, chemicals, machinery, tractors, and animal-health activities.

A farm that performs its own equipment repair may require additional procedures for welding, grinding, electrical work, compressed gases, machinery maintenance, and hazardous energy.

The applicable programs should therefore be selected according to the agricultural work actually performed.

Customized Farm Safety Manuals

A Farm Safety Manual can be developed around the farm’s crops, livestock, tractors, agricultural equipment, grain storage, pesticides, chemicals, irrigation, vehicles, employees, seasonal operations, and other workplace hazards.

The finished Agricultural Safety Manual may incorporate applicable programs for Tractor Safety, Agricultural Equipment Safety, Pesticide Safety, Grain Handling, Livestock Handling, Chemical Safety, Respiratory Protection, PPE, Heat Stress, Emergency Action Planning, and other hazards associated with the operation.

This provides farms, growers, ranches, orchards, livestock operations, and other agricultural employers with a practical safety manual organized around the work their employees actually perform.