What does a farmer do? 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.
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, grow various crops, or both. Common tasks include the following:
duty Plan and organize the farm's resources.
duty Feed and care for animals (both healthy and ill).
duty Clean or remove animal waste.
duty Work with and maintain equipment such as tractors, pickups, ATVs, front-end loaders, augers, chainsaws, etc.
duty Monitor water supply systems for animal drinking water.
duty Negotiate with potential buyers and arrange for the storage and shipment of livestock or harvest.
duty Train and supervise individuals who work on the farm, including family members, workers of all ages, volunteers, and apprentices.
There are many potential health and safety hazards associated with farmer's duties, including:
Biological hazards
Chemical hazards
Ergonomics hazards
Physical hazards
Psychological hazards
Safety hazards
biological Risk of respiratory disorders, including lung disorders, from inhaling moulds.
biological Exposure to zoonotic diseases from various sources, including animals (e.g., toxoplasmosis, Q fever, rabies, avian influenza), poultry (e.g., histoplasmosis, psittacosis), insects (e.g., West Nile virus, Lyme disease), rodents (e.g., hantavirus), soil, manure, etc.
biological Needlestick or sharps injuries.
biological Exposure to hazardous products, including fuel, lubricants, antifreeze, fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, veterinary preparations, paints, varnishes, etc.
chemical Exposure to hazardous gases in and around manure pits that may cause asphyxiation and/or explosions.
chemical 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).
general Standing for long hours.
safety Sitting for long hours, especially on moving or vibrating vehicles.
ergonomic Working in awkward postures, performing repetitive tasks, and lifting.
psychosocial Fatigue from working long hours or shifts.
physical Exposure to excessive noise.
physical Work in extreme conditions, including temperature.
physical UV radiation.
psychosocial Mental health
psychosocial Stress.
psychosocial Working alone.
psychosocial General hazards related to mental health.
safety Working at heights, such as falls from heights, down shafts, etc.
safety Slips, trips and falls from wet, untidy and obstructed floors.
general Risks from animals include kicks, bites, steps, strikes, being squeezed against a wall or fence, etc.
safety Various hazards from machinery and equipment (e.g., tractors, pickups, off-road vehicles, ATVs, front-end loaders, implements, attachments/power take-offs, chainsaws, etc.).
safety Risk of accidental start-up when working on equipment or machinery.
safety Working with sharp blades or edges
safety Working in or near confined spaces
chemical Fire and explosion hazards, including combustible dusts and decaying manure.
Please use the links provided above for additional information.
Biological hazard
Chemical hazards
Ergonomics hazards
Physical hazards
Psychological hazards
Safety hazards
requirement Consider vaccination, if available and appropriate (e.g., rabies vaccine).
requirement Regularly disinfect surfaces, objects, and equipment.
requirement Regularly wash hands with soap and water. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
requirement Avoid touching the eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
requirement Do not consume food or drink or smoke in areas where animals are kept.
requirement Wash and change all clothes and shower after work.
requirement Be aware of the spread of animal disease and contamination of food and water supplies.
requirement Determine which are hazardous products, follow the safe handling information, and label products properly.
requirement Be aware of the hazards associated with various materials, including grain storage, manure, hay, chemicals, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, etc.
administrative Safely use, store, and dispose of chemicals. Train workers in WHMIS and safe handling of hazardous products.
administrative Rotate job functions to prevent overuse injuries.
requirement Learn safe lifting and manual material handling practices.
requirement Maintain proper lighting levels in the working areas.
administrative Know the hazards associated with confined space entry and follow procedures for confined space work.
engineering Use mechanical ventilation to control dust and air contamination in enclosed livestock facilities
ppe Avoid loud noise whenever you can, and wear hearing protection when it’s unavoidable.
requirement Seek assistance with stress and other mental health issues.
requirement Be aware of the impact of fatigue.
requirement Have a communication plan when you are working alone (e.g., carry a cell phone or two-way radio, always tell someone where you are going and when you expect to come back).
requirement Read the manufacturer's instructions and know how to use all equipment safely.
administrative Inspect all tools and equipment and make sure they are in good condition before use.
engineering Understand the behaviour of animals including their reactions. Plan, in advance, your escape route whenever you work in an enclosure with animals.
administrative Know the hazards associated with confined space entry and follow procedures for confined space work.
requirement Do not enter a storage bin or a confined space, especially those with loose materials, unless all precautions have been taken.
requirement Make sure all sharp equipment is disposed of in a safe manner.
ppe Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., gloves, footwear, hearing protection, respirator).
requirement Keep and maintain first-aid kit(s).
requirement Develop an emergency preparedness and response plan, including an animal evacuation plan.
requirement Animal handling.
requirement Equipment and tools.
requirement Fall protection.
requirement Lockout/energy control.
requirement Electrical safety.
requirement Manual material handling.
requirement Good hygiene practices.
requirement Confined spaces
administrative Follow safety procedures for:
requirement Practice safe lifting techniques.
administrative Practice good housekeeping procedures.
ppe Use, maintain and store personal protective equipment as recommended by the manufacturer.
requirement Learn about chemical hazards, WHMIS and SDSs.
requirement Learn how to clean equipment and tools properly.
requirement Know basic and emergency first aid.
administrative Know how to report hazards to your employer.
requirement Follow company safety rules.
general Know how to report injury or illness to the employer or workers’ compensation board.
// Portal
Biological
Notes for this occupation. Open one to read the practices and the protection it calls for.