Farm Safety

Farm safety is a fundamental part of farm management which should not be overlooked. Access Penn State Extension’s resources and stay safe in all agricultural industries. Uncover tips to help you with animal handling, farm equipment safety, disaster preparedness, personal protective gear, and more.

Agricultural Safety and Health

Our Goals

1. Reduce agricultural-related injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
2. Promote safety and health for those involved in production agriculture.

How We Accomplish Our Goals

• Surveillance – Agricultural-related fatalities are tracked each year to identify trends related to incident type, demographics, and people groups.
• Research – Variety of research projects which explore engineering control changes, teaching and retention strategies, and intervention techniques. 
• Practical solutions – Resources on ways to implement changes or increase awareness at agricultural worksites.
• Educational approaches – Agricultural safety demonstrations are available to people to borrow. Staff participate in county, regional, and state events to provide presentations and educational trainings. 
  • National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) – NSTMOP is a certificate program for 14- and 15-year-old youth enabling them to legally operate farm tractors and powered equipment for hire which they otherwise would not be allowed to operate under the U.S. Department of Labor’s Hazardous Occupations Order in Agriculture.
  • Demonstrations and simulators – For more information or to reserve a demonstration, contact [email protected].

Contact Us

Penn State University 
Ag Safety and Health Program 
Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering 
University Park, PA 16802 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 814-865-4582
 

You can also complete an online form and a team member will contact you.
 

Farm Safety Resources

Working on a farm is a rewarding experience that offers many opportunities, including practicing good work habits and learning independence. Working in agriculture, however, also comes with the responsibility of learning how to stay safe and recognize danger.

Agriculture safety training gives aspiring farmers and short-term helpers the information needed to reduce hazards and avoid fatalities. Those familiar with agricultural production practices can attend the National Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Program (NSTMOP) course. This online course will prepare you for organizing and teaching the NSTMOP training program.

Farming, agritourism farms, roadside farm markets, and other similar operations are invited to explore the Farm/Agriculture/Rural Management Hazard Analysis Tool (FARMHAT). FARM-HAT provides information on farm hazards, along with a process for risk evaluation and recommendations on correcting hazards. Further risk-reduction information can be found in the Safety and Health Management Planning publication.

Join the Farm Biosecurity Best Practices course for resources on keeping farms, farmworkers, and animals safe and productive.

Farm Protective Gear

Using protective personal gear correctly is essential for reducing the number of farm accidents. Wearing farm safety equipment when performing tasks such as repairing structures, operating machinery, and handling chemicals, reduces the head, eye, and foot injury incidences.

If applying pesticides, remember to wear a respiratory protective device to prevent the inhalation of airborne chemicals. When choosing a respirator, farmers should first determine the type of respiratory hazard.

Gases – including hydrogen sulfide and manure pit gas – are a major respiratory hazard. Learn how to select and use a personal hydrogen sulfide gas monitor with Penn State Extension’s video series.

If the farm has employees, the employer must further ensure that protective gear is available for the workers. It is important that each employee uses the equipment, especially in areas with high potential for injury. Access additional resources in the Protective Gear section.

Animal Handling and Working Safely with Livestock

Implementing livestock handling safety measures is critical for protecting both the animals and the farmworkers. Many farm injuries come from poor facilities and equipment. An important part of safe animal handling is ensuring proper livestock facility design by implementing adequate drainage, sturdy fencing, and concrete flooring.

County Animal Response Team members and emergency services first responders can benefit from the Large Animal Rescue Training. This course offers the training necessary to provide assistance during emergencies involving large (farm) animals.

Farm Equipment and Structures

Regular maintenance of all farm equipment and structures is key for a safe environment. Greenhouse barns are common farm structures; however, controlling the barn's ventilation requires extra attention. Keeping the structure breathable is crucial for preventing heat and manure gases from getting trapped inside and becoming a hazard.

Explore Penn State Extension’s resources to uncover more on manure pit hazards. Information on understanding silo gas and its dangers is available, as well.

Farm Emergency and Disaster Preparedness

From fires to zoonotic diseases, agricultural emergencies and disasters can occur unexpectedly. To lessen the impact of these events – and prepare workers for emergencies before they occur – farm owners should develop an emergency action plan. Having a plan is key to a quick and adequate response.

Penn State Extension offers an array of educational resources on ensuring farm safety and dealing with agricultural emergencies. The ReadyAG Workbook, for instance, is specially designed to help farmers and ranchers become better prepared for any disasters or catastrophic events that may occur. Information is also available on understanding and handling farm animals in a fire situation, as well as preventing horse barn fires.