Farmers Health
Due
to the complexity of the farming, occupational ill health may threaten from many
sources. Infectious diseases, dust and spores, back injury, chemicals and noise.
It is important that people working in agriculture are aware of the health risks associated with farming. Signs of illness should be immediately investigated. A regular visit to the GP should be taken at least every two years. To prevent infection hand washing with warm soapy water is necessary. Cuts and abrasions should be covered.
Suitable PPE should be worn when carrying out hazardous chores.
Sun protection is essential for all working in agriculture.
Work Related Stress
Stress is the reaction people have to excessive pressure placed on them. Farmers work under extreme pressure and have not control over various aspects of their work – including the weather. The variance and intensity of work and the lack of sufficient help also contributes. We hear the term stress used in relation to other occupations but it is not a term commonly used by farmers. Farming by its nature is a very stressful occupation. Confidential advice and help is available from many sources and should be availed of.
Helplines available to people:
- Farm & Rural Stress Helpline 1800 742 645
A free-phone helpline open from 6.00pm to 10.00pm daily. This helpline is aimed at people who may be feeling down, suffering from stress or depression or those who are concerned about someone. - Aware: Helpline 1890 303 302
Aware is a voluntary group which provides support for those suffering with depression. - Samaritans
24 hour support phone 1850 609090 delivered by volunteers. - Suicide Prevention Helpline – 1800 742 745
A free phone helpline open from 6.00p.m. to 10.00p.m. for people who are suicidal or equally for a family member or friend who is concerned about someone.
Manual
Handling
Lifting material should be minimised by using mechanical means – loaders, jacks etc. Using ones back should be the last resort. All loads should be assessed. Don’t attempt to lift heavy objects without help.
8 Points for Safe Lifting
- Assess the Task, the Area & the Load
- Broad stable base - feet flat on floor
- Bend Knees
- Back Straight
- Firm Palmer Grip
- Arms in line with trunk
- Weight close to centre of gravity
- Turn feet in direction of movement
Noise
The law aims to reduce the risk of hearing loss caused by exposure to high levels of noise in the work place. This exposure may cause permanent hearing damage. Employers including farmers are required to assess the risk to employees and then put control measures in place to protect their workers and themselves. Remember hearing loss can be prevented but once the damage occurs it cannot be repaired. Noise can also be a safety hazard at work interfering with communications and making warnings harder to hear. Ear protection must be used if noise levels are above 85dB. Exposure to many different sources of noise e.g. tractors, power tools shot guns and feeding large numbers of pigs has a cumulative effect even though you may be exposed to a single source for short periods of time.
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and highly debilitating.
Lyme disease can affect anyone but is commonest among those whose work or leisure activities takes place in heathland, light woodland and other grassy areas or brings them in contact with certain animals e.g. deer. Summer and autumn is the period when most cases occur.
Further Information
- Factsheet (454KB, PDF format)
- Poster (367KB, PDF format)
- HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre
Older Farmers
Examine work practices – identifying dangerous areas including working with machinery, livestock and accessing heights.
Make sure older farmers are physically capable of doing the work at hand.
Safety for Older farmers (286KB PDF Format)
