Occupational Risks for Agricultural Workers

The agricultural industry is one of the cornerstones of the United States. Without a strong farming industry, the economy would be at serious risk of collapsing. However, those who work in this field are at constant risk of illness and injury. While safety protocols and proper protective gear can do a lot to protect workers, there is always some level of inherent risk in agricultural work. To learn more about risk factors in the agriculture industry, and to discuss your workplace injury, call Thiry & Caddell at 251-336-3627.

Injuries and Fatalities Caused by Machinery

Agricultural operations, from small family farms to massive factory farms, rely heavily on machinery and equipment that automates as much as possible. Workers who are undertrained on this equipment or who become complacent after working with it for a while are at serious risk of injury. Agricultural workers can become crushed by heavy machinery, lose limbs, or experience blunt force trauma.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Those outside the agricultural industry rarely understand just how loud this field is. A substantial amount of farm workers are exposed to loud noise every single day, and they often don’t have the same hearing protection that other industrial workers benefit from.

Noise-induced hearing loss is an incredibly common problem among farm workers of all ages. While some degree of hearing loss is expected among older workers, workers as young as 30 may report hearing difficulties in this field. The most common signs of overexposure to loud noise are temporary threshold shift, short-term hearing loss caused by loud noise, and tinnitus, better known as ringing in the ears.

Skin Diseases

Modern agriculture uses a wide range of chemicals, pesticides, and herbicides to maximize crop output and limit losses caused by bugs. Consistent exposure to these chemicals is unhealthy for the skin, and as a result, a growing number of agricultural workers report skin irritation and diseases.

Irritant reactions occur when skin is exposed directly to a chemical. Allergic reactions occur over time when the immune system is regularly exposed to a chemical. Photoallergic reactions are another risk. They occur when someone is exposed to both light and dangerous chemicals, causing skin disease. Workers can do a lot to limit this occupational risk by wearing proper work clothing, using appropriate protective gear, and washing their skin frequently.

Lung Diseases and Respiratory Issues

Respiratory issues are amongst the most common occupational hazards faced by agricultural workers. Workers are exposed to dangerous chemicals, dust from hay and straw, mold on crops, and gases. Those who suffer from lung diseases and respiratory issues often have signs of chronic bronchitis, constant coughing, and significant congestion.

Symptoms often come and go throughout the year, depending on which part of the harvest cycle is happening. For example, symptoms are often worst when workers have to handle moldy crops in tight, confined spaces for extended periods of time. The best protection against lung issues is an approved and well-fitted respirator, but a significant number of agricultural employees choose to forgo this due to the heat.

Cancer

There are several types of cancer that plague agricultural workers. Skin cancer is a serious issue, due to the amount of time that agricultural workers spend in direct sunlight every day. Even with proper use of sunblock and protective clothing, this level of sun exposure is certain to cause skin damage. Agricultural workers are also at an elevated risk of leukemia and lymphoma, likely due to exposure to the various chemicals and compounds used on farms.

Heat Stress

Heat sickness is widely reported on farms across the country. There are various levels of heat sickness, some of which can cause severe injury if untreated. Farm workers can protect themselves by gradually increasing the amount of time they spend working in the heat, rather than forcing themselves to acclimate too quickly.

Have You Been Injured at Work? Call Thiry & Caddell Now

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, it’s time to talk to Thiry & Caddell about getting workers’ compensation benefits. We’re here to advocate for you every step of the way. Reach out online or call us at 251-336-3627 to set up a consultation.