Tractors are a very useful tool in farming.  However, they represent an important hazard as the majority of fatal farming injuries are related to tractor rollovers and runovers.

Many serious farm injuries are related to the use of machinery.  These include balers, mowers, harvesters, conveyors and other similar machines.  Machines that use a power take off (PTO) are especially hazardous. 

Silos, manure pits, hoppers, large tanks, wells and other similar structures are confined spaces.  The atmosphere may be toxic or quickly become toxic in such spaces.  Many fatal incidents occur when people are not aware of the hazards related to the confined space.

Power hand tools include chain saws, circular saws, drills, grinders and nail guns. The power often comes from electricity but some tools may use other sources of power such as gasoline. 

They enable the work to get done much quicker compared to the use of a regular hand tool.   However, power tools are also much more hazardous than a regular hand tool and thus, additional precautions must be taken when using these types of tools.  

Serious injuries can occur when working at heights.  People may fall when working on a step ladder, on a roof, on staging, over an unguarded hole, over a bin, for example.

Farmers and farm workers may use pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals on their farms.  Though chemicals are commonly found on many farms, they pose risk to one’s health if ingested, inhaled, absorbed  and/or improperly mixed or manipulated.

It is important to remember that animals do not perceive things in the same way we do.  They often hear better than we do and see more at one time.  They can also be unpredictable and may bite, kick, hit, run into and over us.  If a large animal falls on us, it can cause crushing injuries.   Livestock are involved in a large proportion of fatal farm injuries.

Farmers and farm workers work long hours.  There are many things that are outside the farmers’ control and have a large impact on a farm’s financial success such as the weather, markets and labor availability.  In addition, farmers face a growing burden of government regulations and associated paperwork, which increases costs and reduces the time they can spend on operations.  Having little control over things that impact a farmer causes stress.  In order to ensure the farm’s financial viability, many farmers juggle other jobs as well.  As much of the tasks are done alone, farming can feel isolating at times. 

Farmers and farm workers spend much of their time outside in the summer, during the peak summer heat.  In addition, much of the work is physically intensive.  In addition, some farm workers are paid at a piece-rate, which may push them to work beyond their physical limits and avoid taking needed breaks.  For theses reasons, farmers and farm workers are at increased risk of developing adverse health issues related to heat.

Farming is physically demanding.  Farmers and farm workers often lift heavy items such as fertilizer bags, feed, equipment.  They may push, pull and move heavy pieces of machinery.  They may repeat the same motions over and over again throughout the day in order to complete a task.  They may sit in a tractor for long hours, or stand for long periods of time.  As they climb up and down out of tractors and other machines, they risk slipping and falling and may cause joint injuries.  These tasks increase the risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries and are considered ergonomic hazards.  Though not usually life threatening, musculoskeletal injuries can result in long term pain and suffering, decreases the quality of the farmer’s sleep  and negatively impacts their quality of life.

Many farmers and farm workers often work alone.  Many farms are owner-operated and have no or few employees.  No matter the work they are doing alone, whether they are feeding animals, ploughing a field, maintaining equipment, there is a risk of them working alone.    If the farmer becomes injured or becomes suddenly ill in an isolated area, the situation can become critical.  Working long hours alone can also exacerbate one’s mental state.

Farmers and farm workers are often exposed to dust and mould throughout their working day.  Of particular concern are dusts from moldy materials.  When crops such as hay, straw and grain are stored with too much moisture, they may become moldy.  When the moldy material is handled, it releases spores into the air.  These spores can be inhaled and may cause an allergic reaction of the respiratory tract to these dusts.  This allergic reaction is called farmers’ lung.   Symptoms of farmers’ lung resemble the flu and is sometimes confused with pneumonia.  Continued exposure may eventually result in permanent lung damage.  Farmers and farm workers may also develop toxic organic dust syndrome.  The syndrome is similar to farmers’ lung but commonly thought not to produce long term illness or permanent damage.

Farmers and farm workers are exposed to loud noises including (but not limited to) tractors, combines, racks, chain saws, power tools, ventilation fans and livestock.  Farmers and farm workers experience higher rates of hearing loss than the rest of the population.  Damage to one’s hearing often goes unnoticed as it is painless.  Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and preventable.