Here are the main occupational health risks associated with working as a Agricultural / Farm Worker, with prevention advice.
Agricultural workers face serious risks from pesticide inhalation and skin contact, causing acute poisoning and long-term cancer, neurological and reproductive health effects.
Prolonged outdoor work without adequate sun protection significantly increases risk of skin cancer, which is disproportionately common in agricultural workers.
Bending, heavy lifting, repetitive tasks and operating vibrating machinery cause high rates of back injury and musculoskeletal disease in farm workers.
Grain dust, mould, animal dander and organic matter cause occupational asthma, farmer's lung and other serious respiratory conditions.
Rural isolation, financial pressure, unpredictable weather and long hours contribute to high rates of depression and suicide in the agricultural sector.