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Agricultural Field Operations Safety and Health Guide

a tractor spraying pesticide on a field

The "Safety and Health in Agricultural Field Operations" guide is a comprehensive resource developed by Cal/OSHA to help ensure the safety and health of agricultural workers. Here are some key aspects covered in the guide, recently updated September 2024:

 

Key Topics:

  • Machinery Safety
    • Guidelines on safely operating tractors, farm machinery, and equipment to prevent accidents.
  • Field Sanitation
    • Importance of providing toilet, handwashing, and drinking water facilities in the field to maintain hygiene.
  • Heat Illness Prevention
    • Measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses, including providing adequate water and shade.
  • Musculoskeletal Hazards
    • Recommendations for using long-handled tools and preventing prolonged stoop labor to reduce musculoskeletal injuries.
  • Skin Protection
    • Strategies to prevent skin diseases and injuries from exposure to soil contaminants, fertilizers, and pesticides.
  • Electrical Safety
    • Guidelines for working safely around high-voltage power lines to prevent electrocution.
  • First-Aid and Medical Services
    • Information on providing first-aid and medical services in the field.
  • Workplace Violence
    • Measures to prevent workplace violence and ensure a safe working environment.
       

 

Additional Resources

  • The guide also includes information on applicable California Code of Regulations Title 8 (T8CCR) standards, employee training topics, and using a field checklist to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
  • Here is a list of training topics available in the Guide:
    1.    Tractor Safety: Safe operation, maintenance, and emergency procedures.
    2.    Machinery and Equipment Safety: Proper use and maintenance of farm machinery.
    3.    Chemical Safety: Safe handling, storage, and disposal of pesticides and fertilizers.
    4.    Heat Illness Prevention: Measures to protect workers from heat-related illnesses.
    5.    Ergonomics: Using long-handled tools and preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
    6.    Field Sanitation: Providing adequate toilet, handwashing, and drinking water facilities.
    7.    Skin Protection: Preventing skin diseases and injuries from soil contaminants.
    8.    Electrical Safety: Working safely around high-voltage power lines.
    9.    First-Aid and Medical Services: Providing first-aid and medical services in the field.
    10.   Workplace Violence: Preventing workplace violence and ensuring a safe working environment.
    11.    Confined Spaces: Working safely in confined spaces.
    12.    Slips, Trips, and Falls: Preventing accidents related to slips, trips, and falls.
    13.    Noise Control: Protecting workers from noise-induced hearing loss.
    14.    Respiratory Protection: Using personal protective equipment (PPE) to prevent respiratory issues.
    15.    Child Safety: Ensuring the safety of young workers on the farm.
     

Cover of the Sept 2024 Safety and Health in Agricultural Field Operations Guide featuring four agricultural images

Download the latest guide here

 

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