Supervisors and workers in sectors such as manufacturing, mining, sanitation work, and those who come in direct contact with labeled hazardous materials generally understand the need for heightened health and safety protections. The use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and disposable protective clothing does not fly under the radar. This may not necessarily be the case in seemingly toxin-free occupations such as those in agriculture or farming.
It may sound counterintuitive but using PPE for farming and agriculture jobs routinely prevents significant illness and even fatalities. Those dangers are largely due to contact with animal-acquired infections, chemicals used in conjunction with crops, and respiratory-related risks. That’s why agriculture PPE in farming or agricultural work should never be considered optional.
Dangers of Animal-Acquired Infections in Agriculture
As the global population increases from approximately 7.7 billion in 2020 to a potential 9.2 billion by 2030, the livestock demand is expected to increase substantially. This growing dilemma tasks the farm sector with increased production and management.
Newcomers to the industry may not understand the serious need to wear PPE for farming and agriculture. But farm workers will continue to be in close proximity to more animals on a daily basis, and some carry diseases. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was not necessarily traced back to the farming community, the virus can reportedly jump from animals to humans. This being said, a wide range of other ailments can jump from livestock to farm workers. These include the following.
- Avian Flu: This virus remains common in the poultry industry and easily migrates from infected birds to human beings. The influenza-type virus typically spreads from the bird’s nasal secretions, excrement, or saliva. Farm workers often inhale dried particles that become airborne.
- Anthrax: Although rare in North America, this naturally occurring bacteria can infect livestock. Animals typically get the disease after eating tainted spores. Should a farmworker come in direct contact with a diseased animal, it could prove fatal.
- Brucellosis: When cows and other dairy-producing animals fall ill, their milk can become contaminated. If the unhealthy milk gets on a worker’s body and into their mouth or other mucous membranes, illness can follow.
- Campylobacter: Animal waste sometimes used for fertilizer can be infectious. Shoveling manure when cleaning animal stalls and other sanitization efforts can result in a farmhand falling ill. This disease also spreads in fairgrounds, zoos, and other habitats.
- Hantaviruses: Farm employees too often get this ailment from coming into contact with infected rat and mouse droppings. It causes a fever, chills and can turn into a life-threatening condition if not treated promptly. Many agricultural workers become infected during routine farm building clean-ups.
- Orf Virus: This virus typically impacts sheep and goats. It can spread to humans, and the telltale signs of infection include mouth scabs, soreness, and contagious ecthyma. Many agricultural workers get infected when the virus passes through cuts and abrasions in the skin. It can also lay dormant and transfer from hard surfaces and farm equipment. Activities such as sheering sheep and tube-feeding goats put people at heightened risk.
- Leptospirosis: This bacterial disease generally spreads when livestock urinate on floors or soil, and humans track it on their footwear. Cows, pigs, and horses rank among the more prevalent animals to spread leptospirosis. The contagion can remain active on floors, in animal bedding, and on the ground for months. Human symptoms may include fever, chills, vomiting, jaundice, and severe abdominal pain, among others.
- Staphylococcus: This common bacteria resides on the skin of animals and can be contracted by direct contact. A strain known as MRSA has become highly resistant to antibiotics and poses a substantial risk to people in the agricultural sector. It causes a wide range of infections, including pneumonia.
- Q Fever:Typically caused by breathing dust containing Coxiella burnetii bacteria, this contagion is not uncommon in cattle, sheep, and goats, among others. Humans do not necessarily have come in direct contact with an impacted animal. The bacteria can mingle with barnyard materials and rub off on workers. Simple hand-to-mouth or hand-to-eye contact can result in a farmer worker contracting the disease.
- Ringworm: This infection routinely impacts cows, pigs, sheep, and even farm pets. Creatures become infected after coming in contact with a fungus. Ringworm can then spread from animals to humans through touch.
- Salmonella: This bacteria has been closely associated with poultry. It also impacts horses, sheep, and pigs, among others. When workers get it on the hands and touch their mouths or food, they fall sick. Salmonella can also be transferred from hands to hard surfaces and remain active.
The wide range of health risks to hard-working people in the agricultural sector cannot be ignored. These common health threats are but a cross-section of the known and emerging diseases that surround farm workers.
The people who produce the necessary sustenance for our communities do so while in harm’s way. That’s why it’s critical they have access to high-quality PPE for farming and agriculture. Given how animal-acquired infections easily transfer to humans, agriculture PPE in farming must include the following items.
- Coveralls with Secure Wrists, Ankles, and Necklines
- Googles, Face Shields & Other Eye Protection
- One-Piece Disposable Clothing with a Hood
- Disposable Protective Gloves and Footwear Coverings
- Disposable Face Masks
It’s essential that the agriculture PPE in farming stockpiles remain primarily disposable. Many of the animal-to-human contagions linger on hard surfaces. That fact means that the process of housing and washing protective clothing expands the threat radius to peripheral employees. And while infectious diseases pose a potentially fatal health risk, the industry's chemicals can also prove lethal. Disposable protective clothing helps decrease the spread of bioburdens, harsh chemicals, and other biohazards that can spread to others throughout laundering or the transport to a laundering facility.
ViroGuard®
ViroGuard® protective apparel offers superior comfort and performance in a disposable product.
- Enhanced moisture vapor transmission keeps workers comfortable and protected.
- Seamless shoulder area provides significantly more room, allowing workers to freely move their arms and shoulders without ripping or tearing.
- Elastic back stretches with the user for more comfort and better tear resistance. No need to purchase a larger size just to have more fabric in the back.
- Gusseted, reinforced crotch provides more room to move in all directions without ripping or tearing.
- Blue fabric makes stains and splashes on fabric less conspicuous.
- ViroGuard® fabric passes ASTM F1670 and F1671 tests for protection against blood, bodily fluids and bloodborne pathogens.
- Range of options available in coverall and lab-coat styles.
ViroGuard® 2
Enjoy impermeable protection with fabric and seams that pass ASTM F1670 (blood) and ASTM F1671 (blood-borne pathogens). Designed to meet the latest CDC standards for those working with PUIs who are clinically unstable or have bleeding, vomiting or diarrhea. Because of its unique design and protection factor, ViroGuard® 2 is the product of choice for most of the Regional Ebola and Special Pathogen Treatment Centers along with top key assessment facilities.
- Impermeable fabric and seams pass ASTM F1670 & F1671 tests for protection against blood, bodily fluids and blood-borne pathogens.
- Adjustable Mandarin collar with Velcro closure creates a better neck seal for each wearer.
- Double-sided tape around wrists keeps gloves in place during donning and doffing.
- Zipper front with a sealable storm flap that has a starter tab for the sealing tape. Starter tab makes it much easier for a gloved hand to pull and expose the tape for sealing the storm flap.
- Large zipper pull with red fabric pull tab. Makes it easier for the wearer to see and use the pull with gloved hands and wearing a PAPR.
- Thumb and finger loops work to prevent sleeves from riding up and exposing skin.
- Roomy one-piece raglan sleeves provide for increased arm and shoulder movement while resisting tears.
- Visible sizing tag helps materials management teams identify size easily without unfolding each suit.
What Chemical Hazards Do Farm Workers Face?
It might seem that using pesticides and fertilizers are counterproductive to a healthy food supply chain. But the fact remains that farming attracts vermin such as rats and mice and crop-eating insects. Farmers often balance the use of chemical agents against the potential loss of produce and diseases impacting livestock. While this method is effective in the mass production of food, fertilizers and pesticides pose serious health risks especially with long term exposure.
That’s why the EPA instituted the Worker Protection Standard (WPS). The WPS guidelines provide definition about qualifying and handling pesticides and chemical fertilizers. EPA mandates include the following.
- Personnel who apply pesticides must undergo training
- An EPA training course must be completed by anyone handling pesticides
- A pesticide applicator must be certified and licensed
The EPA reportedly requires retraining every 12 months to handle or apply pesticides. Farm personnel typically apply pesticides after waiting for reasonable weather conditions. Dry days with only the slightest breeze allow agricultural workers to dilute chemicals with water and spray them directly on plants. This process places the employee in almost direct contact with the agents.
Large farms may enlist the help of crop dusters to fly over on dry, windless days and blanket fields with insect deterrents. This may not necessarily place boots-on-the-ground workers in close proximity. However, harsh chemicals linger on plant leaves, stalks, and the vegetables that are later harvested.
PPE For Farming And Agriculture Pesticide Contact
In too many cases, field workers and seasonal harvesting teams enter fields with common street clothing. This labor-intensive work tends to prompt people to shed layers and results in skin contact with chemical agents. When workers wipe their brows or touch their mouths, a transfer sometimes occurs. It’s also not uncommon for these agents to seep through pores or infiltrate cuts and abrasions. Given the rigorous type of work farm hands undertake, the following PPE would be advisable.
- Lightweight, Breathable Outer Wear
- Flexible Gloves and Footwear Coverings
- PPE that Resists Chemical Seepage
- Breathable Face Masks & Eye Protection
Browse PPE for Chemicals, Acids, and Caustics:
ChemSplash® 1
ChemSplash 1 is the first breathable chemical splash barrier for many toxic industrial chemicals, reducing heat stress for wearers.
- High moisture vapor transmission rate means cooler chemical protection versus competitive chemical suits.
- Proven protection for a wide range of industrial chemicals that meets ISO 6350 and EN 368 standards.
ChemSplash® 2
This chemical splash barrier is designed for use with stronger acids and caustics. ChemSplash® 2 fabric is lighter and more pliable than many competitive fabrics, providing better comfort and mobility for the wearer.
- Utilizes a proprietary laminated fabric with a broad range of chemical protection.
- Offers significant physical strength for workers who need a wide range of movement while working in demanding chemical work situations.
- Is perfect for workers in general chemical and petrochemical environments.
One of the tried-and-true methods supervisors employ is to select a disposable clothing line that can be easily accessorized. This strategy allows farms to stockpile protective wear that can be tailored to specific uses and conditions. Decision-makers also target early morning and late-day hours when the temperature remains cool to make wearing PPE more comfortable.
What Respiratory Hazards Do Farm Workers Need to Worry About?
Agricultural workers remain at risk at most locations on a farm. Dry conditions can push pesticides into the air, and naturally occurring airborne contaminants often go undetected. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, these include airborne materials in the following spaces.
- Barns
- Manure Pits
- Machinery Storage
- Silos
The respiratory threats can be laced in dust particles and include microorganisms as well as harsh chemicals. Once they are breathed in, irreparable harm can be done to the lungs. Such health risks would seem to indicate that breathable masks and protective eyewear would suffice on the surface. But these agents also land on clothing and can be breathed in when a worker wipes their brow or scratches their face. Respiratory threats such as viruses require only nominal infiltration to impact a person’s lungs. That’s why appropriate disposable PPE remains a necessary aspect of daily life in the agricultural sector.
Browse PPE for Fine, Agricultural Dusts and Particles:
Body Filter 95+®
Enjoy the benefits of the first full-body protective filtration garment that protects workers against dangerous noxious particulates and heat buildup.
- Filters out 95%-99% of 0.3-micron particles—similar to an N95 respirator!
- Designed for superior airflow and breathability compared to competitive fabrics like TYVEK®.
- Offers exceptional fabric strength with superior abrasion resistance to prevent tears and rip-outs.
MicroGuard MP®
A lightweight, breathable fabric that cost-effectively protects your people and visitors from dirt and grime, while adding to the protection of your finished product from unwanted contaminants.
- High moisture vapor transmission rate keeps your people cool and comfortable.
- Seamless shoulder area provides significantly more room allowing workers to freely move their arms and shoulders without ripping or tearing.
- Elastic back stretches with the user for more comfort and better tear resistance. No need to purchase a larger size just to have more fabric in the back.
- Gusseted, reinforced crotch provides more room to move in all directions without ripping or tearing.
- Produces less lint than other competitive products.
- Passes ASTM F1670 for blood.
SMS
A breathable garment that provides an excellent particulate barrier, along with protection from light splashes and sprays. Good for general cleanup work and for guarding against dirt, dust and grime.
Polypropylene
A lightweight, breathable fabric that cost-effectively protects your people and visitors from dirt and grime, while adding to the protection of your finished product from unwanted contaminants.
ValuGuard MP™
Our most economical option for microporous protection. ValuGuard MP™ provides an economical solution for non-hazardous work environments. This disposable protective clothing offers exception protection from light liquid splashes, sprays and particulates.
- High moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR) helps wearers feel cooler.
- Environmentally friendly—can be recycled after use.
Enviromat®
These multi-layered tacky mats remove particulate contaminants from foot traffic as people move in and out of production areas. Each layer contains an adhesive that removes contaminants from footwear and can be removed once soiled to reveal a fresh layer.
Select Trusted PPE For Farming and Agriculture Worker Safety
By understanding the health and safety risks present on farms, decision-makers can take proactive measures to protect hard-working employees. Farming businesses may find that stockpiling disposable personal protective clothing helps reduce insurance premiums. While that makes selecting PPE more cost-effective, keeping everyday people healthy and safe also proves invaluable.
International Enviroguard produces a complete line of disposable protective clothing that safeguards agricultural and farmworkers from harsh chemicals, highly infectious diseases, blood, bloodborne pathogens, bodily fluids, fine particles / dusts, and more.
For more information about protecting farm and agricultural workers, please contact us or
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