Occupational Health and Safety
Farmers and Agriculture Safety

Agriculture can be a hazardous industry. Farmers are at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming is one of the few industries in which family members (who often share the work and live on the premises) are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Consider this:

• According to recent surveys, nearly 250 agricultural workers suffer a serious injury or death every day.
• The largest cause of injuries and deaths in the agriculture sector was transportation, including tractor overturns, collisions, and accidental pinning.

Injury prevention resources

Farmers and agricultural workers can take step to reduce the risk of farm injuries.

• The CDC’s Agricultural Safety website provides practical resources and tips for preventing farm injuries.
• The National Farmer’s Union Safety on the Farm offers videos and safety best practices on farm-specific safety topics.
• Farm Safety Quick Card offers a starter farm safety checklist.

Farms and Suicide Prevention

Farmers and others who work in agriculture are used to helping neighbors, clients, family and friends do chores or make repairs, but they may not know how to help someone having thoughts of suicide. It is important for people who work in agriculture to take the time to learn about suicide prevention resources.

Crisis Resources:

• Minnesota Farm and Rural Helpline – Call: 833-600-2670 x 1; Text: FARMSTRESS to 898211 Email: farmstress@state.mn.us.If you or someone you know is struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, or suicidal thoughts — call. Sometimes it’s easier to talk to somebody you don’t know.
• Minnesota Rural Mental Health Specialists – Ted Matthews: 320-266-2390 or Monica McConkey: 218-280-7785. Ted and Monica work with farmers throughout Minnesota. No cost; no paperwork.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK(8255) – Provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
• State Mobile Crisis Services – Every county in Minnesota provides Mobile Crisis Services for both children and adults that may be experiencing suicidal feelings or mental health crisis. County crisis teams are available for phone support as well as face-to-face crisis help.
• Crisis Text Line - Text MN to 741741. The Crisis Text Line provides free crisis support 24/7 for any crisis.

Agriculture and Asthma resources

Asthma is one of the most common chronic (lifelong) health conditions with an estimated 24.8 million Americans who have the diagnosis. Certain environmental factors, including ones found in farming environments, can trigger asthma.  For more information on farming and asthma, see Farming and Asthma – what you need to know (PDF).