The summer months also traditionally involve long working days, as often a lot of this work can be done more effectively in daylight. This means that the impact of the weather is perhaps longer than it would otherwise be. The health effects of summer weather can lead to staff sickness and illness, mainly in the areas of things such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke and dehydration.
Farming does not have the luxury of deciding what type of weather is suitable for people working. The nature of agricultural work is that it has to be done whatever the weather.
This poses real challenges for individuals and organisations, to make sure the work is done effectively and productively, whilst at the same time making sure the safety of all individuals involved in the work is at the forefront of how the work is delivered.
The potential danger to health of working in the sun for too long is not unique to farming, and can apply to anyone who spends too long in direct sunlight without being properly prepared.
The health risks are well documented, and largely relate to sunburn or skin cancer, UV light damage and eye damage, heatstroke and dehydration.
When the weather is really hot, there is a tendency to want to wear as little clothing as possible. For farmworkers this is a real mistake.
Anyone spending a lot of time in the sun needs to protect themselves against the risk of sunburn and skin cancer. This can include a variety of protective measures, two of the most important being dressing appropriately and using a sunscreen ointment.
The best way to dress for anyone exposed to long periods of sunlight is to wear long sleeves, long trousers and a broad rimmed hat. It is worth contacting an organisation such as the American Cancer Society which can provide real-time updates and information about the best way to prevent the risk of skin cancer.
It is worth mentioning that these risks to someone's health are there because of the consistent exposure to sun involved in farming work, rather than a one-off exposure.
People working on farms during the summer months, whatever work they are doing, or exposed to from excessive heat and temperatures on a daily basis for months at a time.
It is this constant exposure that they makes the nature of their work riskier than someone simply venturing outdoors one day when it is sunny, and not being properly prepared.
Sunglasses are another hugely important element in someone's protective clothing regime if they work on a farm. It is important to get the right type of sunglasses that can protect the eyes from the more harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, intense light or blue light.
Professional advice should be sought on what are the most appropriate type of sunglasses depending on the individual and the work they are doing.
It is worth noting that the price of sunglasses, or the label or brand, especially those with high price brackets are not necessarily an indication of their effectiveness in relation to the needs of any individual looking to protect themselves from a health point of view.
Dehydration is another really important health element. It is very easy for someone who is out on farmland or in a tractor all day to really not to bother with drinking liquids. They also think it is more convenient in terms of toileting
Making sure that an individual drinks plenty of water is one of the most basic health prevention measures that they can take, at any time and in any weather condition.
It is especially true when any individual faces long exposure to the sun or warm climates. As well as dehydration, the individual should be aware of the dangers of heatstroke, heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat syncope.
It should be recognised that all these are potentially serious if not deadly conditions, especially heat stroke, and as such great care should be taken to prevent them occurring.
Additionally all farmworkers should be made aware of the symptoms of these conditions, how they manifest themselves in people, and what to do to treat them as a medical emergency.
It should always be remembered that simply because someone is working on a farm, or on land, or in a tractor, that their basic human needs still apply in terms of food, diet and liquids.
Not respecting or meeting these needs runs the risk of potential health problems, sometimes serious, as well as putting at risk both the individualand the work they are doing.
Farm safety and housekeeping – slippages
Storage is crucially important, both at a practical level and also has an attitude of good housekeeping practice. The old expression a tidy mind applies very much to this area. If an area looks unkempt, it is likely that there are a number of practices that could be considered unsafe or sloppy, which could ultimately lead to more hazards and risks.
Farm safety and housekeeping – storage and cleanup
Storage is crucially important, both at a practical level and also has an attitude of good housekeeping practice. The old expression a tidy mind applies very much to this area. If an area looks unkempt, it is likely that there are a number of practices that could be considered unsafe or sloppy, which could ultimately lead to more hazards and risks.
Enhancing Farm Safety: A Comprehensive Guide
Summary: Farm safety is crucial not only for the smooth operation of agricultural activities but also for the well-being of those on the farm. Effective safety measures, including clear signage, proper housekeeping, and rigorous maintenance of machinery and chemicals, are essential. This article delves into the specifics of implementing robust safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure a safe working environment.
