The Female Farmer's Guide to Injury Prevention

Injury prevention starts before the first load moves. Walk the route, see who else uses it and ask what changes with the season. A vehicle path may work in daylight and become hard to judge after dark. A good routine helps an operator spot a problem while she can still move a delivery, get help or change the plan.

“Injury prevention: the best cure is not needing the cure.”

Match the fix to the hazard

List what could cause serious harm, including vehicle movement, machinery, animals, falls, chemicals and fatigue. Rank the risks by likely severity and exposure, with input from people who regularly perform the job. Separate pedestrians from vehicle movements where practical, protect hazardous areas from access and keep manufacturer-approved guards and safety devices in service. Have qualified people assess issues involving electricity, confined spaces or machinery changes. Place and fit protective equipment where the worker can use it correctly.

Look at the observation that led you to the hazard. If a worker steps off a path because deliveries block an exit, move the holding area and check whether the new location causes congestion somewhere else. Put temporary arrangements in writing when they affect other shifts. A sign that says “stay alert” can be a useful reminder, but a delivery placed in the right spot will give the sign an easier job.

Review the tasks women actually perform

Ask workers and operators about lifting, reaching, exposure and gear fit. Observe the complete task, including setup and cleanup. A short operation may require a much longer washdown, and that work can bring its own hazards. Record changes in tools, loads or visibility over the season. Check equipment and work surfaces for people with different heights and ranges of motion.

Keep a short log of near misses

Invite reports of events that almost caused harm, such as an animal surprising a worker at a gate or a stack blocking the view from a crossing. Include the location, conditions and change to consider. Protect personal information and focus on reducing recurrence. Ask who is assigned to make the change and when the crew should expect an answer. Review the list with workers during a routine meeting.

Set three decisions before the next rush

Agree which tasks require a second trained person, which defects require stopping and where workers go to ask for help. Make the directions easy to locate and revise them when a new worker or changing task exposes a gap. Test the emergency plan and update site directions as needed. A phone number stored in one person's phone won't help a crew when that person is already driving to town.

USDA NIFA's farm safety resources can point owners and workers to agricultural safety assistance. AgriSafe's women's agricultural health resources offer additional context on exposures. Choose one high-priority hazard this week and verify what changed on an ordinary shift. The people doing the work can often tell you within a few minutes whether the fix has helped.