Farmer

Farmers, ranchers, crop growers, animal handlers, and other agricultural workers will have similar functions but perform varied tasks depending on the size and type of their farm. They may work with animals or grow various crops, or both. Common tasks include the following:

• Plan and organize the farm's resources.
• Feed and care for animals.
• Clean or remove animal waste.
• Work with and maintain equipment such as tractors, pickups, ATVs, front-end loaders, augers, chainsaws, etc.
• Maintain lands, barns, buildings, silos, bins, elevators, yards, fences, etc.
• Monitor water supply systems for animal drinking water.
• Negotiate with potential buyers and arrange for the storage and shipment of livestock or harvest.
• Train and supervise individuals who work on farm, including family, workers of all ages, volunteers, and apprentices.

There are many potential health and safety hazards associated with farmer's duties, including:

Biological hazards

• Risk of respiratory disorders, including lung disorders from inhaling moulds.
• Exposure to zoonotic diseases from various sources, including animals (e.g., toxoplasmosis, Q fever, rabies), poultry (e.g., histoplasmosis, psittacosis), insects (e.g., West Nile virus, Lyme disease), rodents (e.g., hantavirus), soil, manure, etc.
• Needlestick or sharps injuries.

Chemical hazards

• Exposure to hazardous products including fuel, lubricants, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, veterinary preparations, paints, varnishes etc.
• Exposure to hazardous gases in and around manure pits that may cause asphyxiation and/or explosions.
• Exposure to hazardous gases in silos during grain storage, as well as the risk of engulfment by flowing grain or loose materials such as gravel (see safety hazards and risks in confined spaces).
• Fire and explosion hazards, including combustible dusts and decaying manure.

Ergonomics hazards

• Standing for long hours.
• Sitting for long hours, especially on moving or vibrating vehicles.
• Working in awkward postures, performing repetitive tasks, lifting.
• Fatigue from working long hours or shifts.

Physical hazards

• Exposure to excessive noise.
• Work in extreme conditions, including temperature.
• UV radiation.
  

Psychological hazards

• Stress.
• Working alone.

Safety hazards

• Working at heights, such as falls from heights, down shafts, etc.
• Slips, trips and falls from wet, untidy and obstructed floors.
• Risks from animals including kicks, bites, steps, strikes, being squeezed against a wall or fence, etc.
• Various hazards from machinery and equipment (e.g., tractors, pickups, ATVs, front-end loaders, implements, attachments/power take-offs, chainsaws, etc.).
• Risk of accidental start up when working on equipment or machinery.
• Working with sharp blades or edges
• Working in or near confined spaces 
  

• Follow safety procedures for:
  • Animal handling.
  • Equipment and tools.
  • Fall protection.
  • Lockout/energy control.
  • Electrical safety.
  • Manual material handling.
  • Good hygiene practices.
  • Confined spaces 
• Practice safe lifting techniques.
• Practice good housekeeping procedures.
• Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
• Learn about chemical hazards, WHMIS and MSDSs.
• Learn how to clean equipment and tools properly.
• Know basic and emergency first aid.
• Know how to report hazards to your employer.
• Follow company safety rules.
• Know how to report injury to the employer or workers’ compensation board