Not every industry in California a person can work in is fraught with hazards. However, one industry that does rank as high risk is agriculture. Anyone working in this industry should make themselves aware of the risks and what they can do to be safer on the job.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2015, the agriculture industry saw 401 fatal accidents. The most common cause was transportation accidents and the overwhelming majority involved some type of machinery or equipment.
The U.S. Department of Labor notes fatalities and other injuries also occur due to exposure to chemicals, heat and unsanitary conditions. Adding to the danger of the job are risks for falls, including those into grain bins.
To stay safe, agricultural workers need to be trained in proper safety measures and employers must abide by safety regulations. This includes installing proper safety devices on tractors and other machinery, abiding by rules for break times, especially in hot conditions, and using fall protection every time it is needed. Employees also need to have access to clean water, adequate toilet facilities and handwashing stations. Employees working with pesticides and other chemicals need proper training in safe use and handling procedures to prevent spills and exposure risks.
Employers also need to properly train employees to work all different job duties. This includes teaching them how to properly use all equipment and to observe safety measures. Safety equipment should be provided to every employee and mandatory use should be enforced. Employees also should report any safety violations as soon as possible.
