NATIONWIDE NEWS
Evaluating farm hazards and protective equipment
The following information is provided by Nationwide ® , the No.1 farm and ranch insurer in the U.S.* Farm machinery, chemicals, stored ma- nure and livestock are just a few injury or illness hazards on farms and ranches. The right personal protective equip- ment, or PPE, helps minimize exposure and the risk these types of hazards pose to health and safety. “I remind myself
generate toxic fumes. Read and follow any product labels and follow any PPE guidelines. Likely PPE includes chemical- resistant gloves, eye protection, long pants and long-sleeved shirts, face coverings, aprons, closed-toe shoes and respirators. • Physical. Safety goggles, ear protection, welding aprons/chaps, leather gloves and steel-toed boots help prevent injuries
hazards like sunscreen when working in direct sunlight. Be aware of temperature extremes, dress appropriately and work in teams so workers can monitor one another for heat- or cold-related illness. Confined spaces on the farm like ma- nure pits and grain bins pose specific haz- ards. Most farms host a variety of confined spaces including grain bins, silos, manure pits, culverts, water tanks, tanker trucks and more. Confined spaces are often oxygen-defi- cient environments where self-rescue can be very difficult. “Entering a confined space on the farm is serious business. You owe it to yourself to learn how to enter safely,” Hommer said. “This includes air monitoring, lock out/tag out, spotters, rescue harnesses and wear- ing the correct PPE.” Maintenance of PPE is important to make sure it is effective in protecting you from potential hazards. Here are some key steps in maintaining PPE: • Inspect your PPE before and after each use. Replace it if you notice any damage. • Follow all rules on safe respirator use and maintenance. Pay attention to
fit testing, serviceable life periods, in- spection and cleaning. Use the correct respirator/cartridges. • Clean your PPE according to manufac- turer’s instructions. Certain chemicals and dirt can degrade PPE material and reduce its effectiveness. • Store PPE in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Improper storage can lead to degradation and reduce PPE’s lifespan. • Replace PPE at regular intervals depending on use or as suggested by the manufacturer. • Provide PPE use and maintenance training for all farmworkers. • Post clear signage reminding work- ers to use PPE in areas where hazards are present. Visit AgInsightCenter.com for more re- sources and expert tips to help you run a successful business and maintain the safe- ty of your operation. *A.M. Best Market Share Report 2022. Nationwide, the Nationwide N and Eagle, and Nationwide is on your side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2023 Nationwide
when working with power tools and farm machinery that create physical injury risk. • Biological.
“Entering a confined space on the farm is serious business. You owe it to yourself to learn how to enter safely.” — Derek Hommer, Nationwide risk management consultant
and others to stop and think about the hazards of every job we do on the farm, then think about PPE that might protect you,” said Nationwide Risk Management Consultant Derek Hommer, a farmer and agronomy specialist. Think about these
Exposure to bacteria, viruses or parasites from animals, ma- nure, water or grain can cause serious ill- nesses. Wearing PPE like nitrile gloves and face coverings (sur- gical, N95 or full-face respirators) can help minimize risk of in- fection and illness. • Environmental. Extreme temperatures, high noise levels and ultraviolet rays can lead to long-term adverse health effects. Match PPE to the specific environmental
types of hazards in assessing what poses you the greatest physical risk on your farm or ranch: • Chemical. Pesticides, fertilizer, stored manure and cleaning products can
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