FREE FARM SAFETY CONSULTATON AVAILABLE THROUGH THE WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

Agriculture is among the most hazardous industries in the United States, and every day in the US about one hundred agricultural workers suffer lost-work-time injuries. Transportation incidents are the leading cause of death among farmers and farmworkers. These incidents include tractor overturns particularly without seatbelts and roll-over protection and all-terrain vehicles. Machinery is also frequently implicated in agricultural injuries and fatalities, particularly associated with rotating power take-offs and conveyer belts. Workers also may be exposed to heat stress, electrical hazards, smoke from wildfires, pesticides and other agricultural chemicals. However, the most common farm injuries are associated with bending, twisting, and lifting.  In fact, nearly a quarter of all agricultural work-related injuries are classified as sprains, strains, or torn ligaments.

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries will provide farms with no-cost consultations focusing on risk management to identify hazards, and ergonomics to find solutions to prevent sprains and strains. No fines or penalties will result from issues uncovered during a consultation.  For more information and to request a consultation visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website here.