Agricultural sector – what should you keep in mind for a safe working environment?

Agricultural professions are among the most dangerous and are characterised by a high level of occupational accidents and illnesses caused by work, which affect the sustainability and viability of undertakings in the agricultural sector. Noise, moving mechanisms, unexpected behaviour of animals, exposure to pesticides and sunburn are just a few examples of working environment hazards in the agricultural sector.

In agriculture, employees often do heavy physical labour, where repetitive movements and forced positions may damage health over time. Therefore, it is important to assess the risks of the working environment and implement measures to prevent damage to health. For example, to allow breaks, adapt the workplace to suit the employee, implement equipment for the handling of loads, etc.

In 2022, the number of occupational accidents registered in Estonian agricultural undertakings was 121, of which 88 were minor, 32 were severe and one resulted in the death of an employee. Occupational accidents in agriculture are most often related to machinery and equipment, as well as falls and the unexpected behaviour of animals. There are no lesser or greater risks, which is why all working environment risk factors must be given equal attention.

In order to ensure a safe working environment, it is necessary to make sure that:

• the company has carried out a working environment risk assessment and, as a result, prepared an action plan to improve the working environment and reduce risks;
• the risk assessment has been added to TEIS, the information system of the Labour Inspectorate (iseteenindus.ti.ee);
• there are safety manuals for both the work and equipment;
• employees have been instructed based on safety instructions, and training and activities are recorded in writing;
• employees have been given items of personal protective equipment and records are kept of them;
• medical examinations have been organised for employees at the occupational health doctor;
• if the company uses chemicals (including fertilisers and herbicides), they have received up-to-date safety data sheets from the supplier, which have been introduced to employees;
• the workplace has first aid equipment (also in mobile machinery);
• when handling chemicals, there is an eye wash in a marked and easily accessible location;
• hazardous places in the working environment are marked clearly and with appropriate safety signs.

Employers can invite a working environment consultant to their company free of charge for advice on creating a safe and healthy working environment by sending an email to [email protected]