Last updated: May 16, 2024
Presented by Crestwood General | crestwoodgeneral.com

Quick Summary

Agricultural work is essential — but it is also one of the most dangerous jobs in the United States
Farm workers face higher risks of injury, illness, and death compared to workers in other industries
NIOSH (part of CDC) leads research and prevention efforts to keep agricultural workers and their families safe
Simple safety practices, proper training, and supportive policies can save lives and prevent injuries
Resources and programs are available to help farmers, ranchers, and agricultural employers protect their teams

Why Agricultural Safety Matters

Agriculture is the backbone of our food supply. But working in farming, ranching, forestry, and fishing comes with unique risks.

The Reality of Agricultural Work

Fact	What It Means
High injury rates	Between 2021–2022, over 21,000 agricultural injuries required time away from work
Underreporting is common	Many injuries go unreported, so the true numbers are likely higher
Falls are a leading cause	Nearly 1 in 3 injuries that cause missed work are from falls
Youth are at risk	An estimated 4,000 young people were injured while working on farms in 2014
Fatalities are higher	Agricultural workers face a death rate 5 times higher than the average U.S. worker

Who Works in Agriculture?

Approximately 2.3 million workers are employed in agriculture and related industries in the U.S.
The average age of U.S. farm producers is 58.1 years — and rising
Nearly 900,000 youth under age 20 lived on farms in 2014; about half also worked on those farms
An estimated 266,000 youth were hired to work on U.S. farms in 2014

Agricultural work spans all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels. Safety must too.

Common Hazards in Agricultural Work

Agricultural settings present many potential dangers. Understanding these risks is the first step toward prevention.

Physical Hazards

Hazard	Examples	Prevention Tips
Machinery and equipment	Tractors, combines, power take-offs (PTOs), augers	Use roll-over protection (ROPS), keep guards in place, follow lockout/tagout procedures
Transportation incidents	Vehicle crashes, ATV/UTV rollovers, being struck by moving equipment	Wear seatbelts, avoid riding on equipment not designed for passengers, maintain clear visibility
Falls	From ladders, haylofts, equipment, or slippery surfaces	Use stable ladders, wear non-slip footwear, keep walkways clear
Confined spaces	Silos, grain bins, manure pits	Never enter alone, test air quality first, use harnesses and retrieval systems
Noise exposure	Loud machinery, animals, processing equipment	Wear hearing protection, limit time in noisy areas, maintain equipment to reduce noise

Health Hazards

Hazard	Examples	Prevention Tips
Pesticide and chemical exposure	Spraying, mixing, or handling agricultural chemicals	Wear proper protective gear, follow label instructions, wash hands and clothes after handling
Respiratory risks	Dust, mold, animal dander, grain dust, ammonia	Use respirators when needed, improve ventilation, take breaks in clean air
Heat and sun exposure	Long hours outdoors in hot weather	Drink water regularly, wear hats and sunscreen, take shade breaks, recognize signs of heat illness
Musculoskeletal strain	Lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, awkward postures	Use proper lifting techniques, take stretch breaks, use mechanical aids when possible
Zoonotic diseases	Illnesses passed from animals to humans (like leptospirosis or Q fever)	Wear gloves when handling animals or waste, wash hands frequently, stay up to date on vaccinations

Other Serious Risks

Risk	Why It Matters	How to Reduce Risk
Mental health and stress	Farming involves financial pressure, isolation, weather uncertainty, and long hours	Talk openly about stress, connect with support networks, seek counseling when needed
Violence or animal-related injuries	Working with large animals or in isolated areas can increase risk of harm	Use caution around animals, work with a partner when possible, have emergency communication plans
Child and youth injuries	Children on farms may be exposed to hazards before they are developmentally ready	Keep play areas separate from work zones, supervise youth closely, assign age-appropriate tasks

Who Is at Higher Risk?

While all agricultural workers face hazards, some groups are especially vulnerable.

Older Workers

The average age of U.S. farm producers continues to rise (58.1 years in 2022)
Older workers may have more experience but may also face:
Slower reaction times or reduced strength
Chronic health conditions that affect work capacity
Longer recovery times after injury
Support strategies: Ergonomic tools, flexible pacing, regular health check-ups, and modified duties when needed

Youth and Young Workers

An estimated 893,000 youth under 20 lived on farms in 2014; over half also worked on those farms
Young workers may lack experience, training, or physical development to handle certain tasks safely
Support strategies: Age-appropriate tasks, close supervision, safety training designed for youth, and clear rules about machinery and chemicals

Hired and Migrant Workers

Many agricultural workers are hired seasonally or migrate for work
Barriers may include language differences, limited access to healthcare, or unfamiliarity with U.S. safety standards
Support strategies: Training in workers' preferred languages, clear visual safety signs, access to interpreters, and culturally appropriate health resources

Family Members Living on Farms

Farms are often both workplaces and homes, so spouses, children, and elderly relatives may be exposed to hazards even when not working
Support strategies: Separate play areas for children, secure storage of chemicals and equipment, and clear boundaries between work and living spaces

What Is Being Done to Improve Agricultural Safety?

NIOSH Agricultural Safety and Health Program

In 1990, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched a dedicated program to address the high risks faced by agricultural workers and their families.

Key Program Activities

Activity	What It Does
Research	Studies injuries, illnesses, and effective prevention strategies in agricultural settings
Prevention programs	Develops and tests practical solutions like safer equipment designs, training tools, and policy recommendations
Partnerships	Works with farmers, employers, healthcare providers, universities, and community organizations to spread safety practices
Data collection	Tracks injury and illness trends to identify emerging risks and measure progress

Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health

NIOSH supports 12 regional Centers across the United States. These centers:

Conduct research on agricultural injuries, pesticide exposure, respiratory health, and mental health
Provide education and training for farmers, workers, and healthcare providers
Develop prevention tools tailored to local crops, climates, and communities
Focus on underserved populations, including minority farm operators and youth

National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA)

The NORA Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Sector Council brings together experts to:

Set national research priorities for agricultural safety
Coordinate efforts across government, industry, and academia
Translate research findings into practical tools and policies

Practical Safety Tips for Agricultural Workplaces

For Employers and Farm Owners

Action	Why It Helps
Train all workers	Ensure everyone knows how to do tasks safely, recognize hazards, and respond to emergencies
Maintain equipment	Regular inspections and repairs prevent malfunctions that cause injuries
Use engineering controls	Install roll-over protection on tractors, guards on moving parts, and ventilation in enclosed spaces
Provide protective gear	Supply and require use of helmets, gloves, respirators, hearing protection, and sturdy footwear
Create emergency plans	Post emergency contacts, ensure communication works in remote areas, and practice response procedures
Support mental health	Reduce stigma, offer resources, and encourage open conversations about stress and well-being

For Workers

Action	Why It Helps
Follow safety procedures	Rules exist to protect you — even when you are in a hurry
Speak up about concerns	If something feels unsafe, tell a supervisor or coworker
Take breaks	Fatigue increases error risk; rest helps you stay alert and focused
Use protective equipment	Gear only works if you wear it correctly and consistently
Look out for each other	Safety is a team effort — remind coworkers about hazards and safe practices
Know your limits	It is okay to ask for help with heavy lifting or unfamiliar tasks

For Families Living on Farms

Action	Why It Helps
Create safe play zones	Keep children away from work areas, machinery, chemicals, and livestock pens
Teach safety early	Age-appropriate lessons help children understand risks and make safe choices
Secure hazards	Lock up chemicals, cover wells, and fence off dangerous areas
Supervise closely	Young children should never be left unsupervised near work activities
Plan for emergencies	Ensure everyone knows how to call for help and where to meet in a crisis

Resources to Support Agricultural Safety

From NIOSH and CDC

Resource	What It Offers
Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Program	Research priorities, prevention tools, and program updates
Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health	Regional centers offering research, education, and local support
FACE Reports (Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation)	Real-world case studies of agricultural fatalities and lessons learned
NORA Agriculture Council	National research agenda and stakeholder collaboration

Data and Surveillance Tools

Dataset	Focus Area
Occupational Injury Surveillance of Production Agriculture (OISPA)	Injury trends among U.S. farm operators
Minority Farm Operator OISPA (M-OISPA)	Injury data for minority agricultural producers
Childhood Agricultural Injury Survey (CAIS)	Injury patterns among youth on farms
National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS)	Health and safety data for hired farm workers

For Further Research

NIOSHTIC-2 Database: Search thousands of occupational safety publications funded by NIOSH
Suggested search terms: agricultural safety, farm injury, pesticide exposure, rural health, youth farm work

Partner Organizations

National Farm Medicine Center
Progressive Agricultural Foundation
Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America (ASHCA)
State extension services and farm bureaus

How Crestwood General Supports Agricultural Health and Safety

At Crestwood General, we understand the unique challenges faced by agricultural workers, farm families, and rural communities. We are committed to providing accessible, practical, and compassionate care.

Services for Agricultural Workers and Families

Occupational health evaluations: Assessment and management of work-related injuries, exposures, or illnesses
Preventive care: Vaccinations, screenings, and wellness visits tailored to agricultural lifestyles
Mental health support: Confidential counseling for stress, anxiety, depression, or crisis situations
Youth health services: Well-child visits, injury prevention education, and sports physicals for farm youth
Chronic condition management: Care for arthritis, hypertension, respiratory conditions, and other health concerns common in agricultural communities

Workplace and Community Partnerships

Safety consultations: Help farms and agricultural businesses assess hazards and implement prevention strategies
Training and education: Workshops on first aid, heat illness prevention, pesticide safety, and mental health awareness
Resource connection: Links to NIOSH tools, extension services, financial assistance programs, and emergency support
Mobile and telehealth options: Reach patients in remote or rural locations with flexible care delivery

Questions We Can Help Answer

What should I do if I am exposed to pesticides or chemicals?
How can I protect my children while living and working on a farm?
What signs of heat illness or respiratory problems should I watch for?
Where can I find mental health support that understands farming life?
How do I create a safer worksite for my employees or family members?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are agricultural injuries really that common?

Yes. Agriculture consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries in the United States. Many injuries go unreported, so official numbers likely underestimate the true scope. Prevention efforts save lives.

What is the most important safety step I can take today?

Start with one high-impact action: ensure all tractors have roll-over protection structures (ROPS) and seatbelts, or create a clear safety rule for youth around machinery. Small changes make a big difference.

How can I talk to my family about farm safety without causing fear?

Focus on empowerment, not fear. Use age-appropriate language, involve children in safety decisions, and celebrate safe choices. Frame safety as a way to keep doing what you love — farming — for years to come.

What if I cannot afford safety equipment or upgrades?

Many resources exist to help:
- NIOSH and extension services offer free or low-cost safety assessments
- Some states provide cost-share programs for ROPS or other safety upgrades
- Equipment dealers may offer payment plans or trade-in options
- Start with no-cost improvements like better housekeeping, clear signage, or training

How do I know if my symptoms are work-related?

Keep a simple log: note when symptoms occur, what tasks you were doing, and any exposures (chemicals, dust, animals). Share this with your healthcare provider. Occupational health specialists can help determine if work is contributing to your health concerns.

Where can I find mental health support that understands farming?

Talk to your primary care provider about counseling referrals
Contact the Farm Aid Hotline: 1-800-FARM-AID (327-6243)
Explore the Rural Health Information Hub's mental health resources
Reach out to your state's agricultural extension office for local support groups

Take One Step Toward a Safer Farm Today

You do not need to change everything at once. Start with one action that makes a difference.

Quick Safety Wins

[ ] Check that all tractors have ROPS and seatbelts — and that everyone uses them
[ ] Post emergency numbers in visible locations and ensure cell service or radios work in remote areas
[ ] Create a designated, fenced play area for children away from work zones
[ ] Schedule a safety walk-through with your team to identify and fix one hazard this week
[ ] Talk openly about stress or mental health — with yourself, your family, or a trusted friend

We Are Here to Help

At Crestwood General, we partner with agricultural workers, families, and employers to promote health, safety, and well-being in rural communities.

Visit crestwoodgeneral.com to:
- Schedule an occupational health visit or wellness check
- Download free safety checklists, youth protection guides, or mental health resources
- Learn about mobile clinic services or telehealth options for remote locations
- Connect with our care team for personalized support

Your work feeds the nation. Your safety matters. Your health is worth protecting.

Together, we can build a healthier, safer future for agriculture.

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