Who is a field crop and greenhouse worker?

What is dangerous about this job?

Hazards related to this job

Accident hazards

• Risk of crushing injuries to head, chest and pelvic areas when a tractor without ROPS (rollover protection structure) turns over

1

• Risk of limb amputation and crushing or shearing of limb or body as a result of entanglement to moving machine parts

2

• Risk of limb or body crushing injuries as a result of carrying out various tasks eg. hitching and unhitching implements, reversing mounted equipment, folding and unfolding discs and harrows

2,3,4

• Slips and falls when climbing into or climbing down from tractor cabin or when climbing on top of other farm machinery

5

• Risk of acute poisoning by overexposure to pesticides

6

• Risk of skin penetration or eye damage by high pressure hydraulic oil

7

• Burns from heated surfaces or materials (exhaust pipes, engine blocks, fuel, oils, chemicals etc)

8

• Traffic accidents when driving slow moving vehicles on public roads

9

• Emptying manure pits may cause workers and animals to be exposed to high concentrations of poisonous gases (hydrogen sulfide H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia (NH3), methane (CH4)

6,8,10

• Low concentrations of oxygen (O2) and high concentrations of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) create risks of suffocation and poisoning when working in silos

6,8,10

• Risk of suffocating in grain silos or grain trailers if worker gets caught under the falling grain

6,8,10

• Risk of various injuries when repairing machinery in workshops

6,8

Physical hazards

• Exposure to high noise levels from tractors, field machinery, combines, etc.

6

• Exposure to vibration when driving tractors and harvesters
• Hot weather hazards such as sunburn, skin cancer, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke

Chemical hazards

• Skin and eye irritation or blistering caused by pesticides

6,8

• Risk of chronic poisoning caused by pesticides (see Note 2)

6,8

• Risk of severe respiratory tract, eye and skin injuries when handling anhydrous ammonia (NH3)

6,8

• Eye irritation and respiratory tract irritation by silage additives (formic acid)

6,8

• Dermatitis and respiratory tract irritation by handling of fertilizers

6,8

Biological hazards

• Organic dust toxicity syndrome (ODTS), acute and chronic bronchitis, occupational asthma, eye irritation, dermatitis by exposure to organic respirable dusts (hay and grain dust)

6,8,11

Ergonomic, psychosocial and organizational factors

• Back pain, neck-shoulder disorders and other musculoskeletal problems resulting from bad working postures, repetitive movements and forceful exertion when carrying out various tasks

12

• Exposure to inorganic dusts during field work

6,13

• Psychological stress due to working alone, unexpected events (machinery breakdown), fast paced work and long working hours during planting and harvest, and bad working conditions

6,8,10,11,12,13

Preventive measures

1

Use a tractor equipped with rollover protection structure (ROPS) and safety belt

2

Make sure that moving parts are adequately guarded. Always stop machinery before cleaning or servicing.

3

Use quick-coupling devices

4

Always support raised machinery parts when working underneath.

5

Do not jump. Use provided accesses. Keep steps clean. Use non-slip footwear.

6

Read and follow safety instructions supplied on product label. Use appropriate personal protective equipment.

7

Use e.g. cardboard to check leaks, do not approach suspected leakage unprotected.

8

Acquire sufficient skills for operation.

9

Do not enter public roads with machinery which is not up to regulations.

10

Do not work alone.

11

To prevent mold dust, dry moist materials before storing.

12

Physically exercise during breaks. Mechanize heavy phases of work.

13

Use machinery with closed cabs, air filtration and climate control.