Agricultural and Farm Safety

Agriculture, which has high rates of fatalities and serious injuries, ranks among the most dangerous professions in the United States. Training farmers, ranchers, and tree farmers to operate machinery safely and use protective equipment correctly can help reduce the high number of accidents. 

NIFA addresses the issue of farm safety by supporting Extension programs that train workers in appropriate field practices and equipment use and maintenance. We also provide competitive grant funding through our Assistive Technology Program for Farmers with Disabilities (AgrAbility), which supported on-farm assessments and assistive technology implementation for 1,953 disabled farmers in 2024.
 

Importance of Agricultural and Farm Safety 

The well-being of our Nation’s farmers and agricultural workers is vital to strong communities and the U.S. economy.  Safety training gives farm families the awareness and information they need to reduce safety hazards and protect their children who often work on the farm.  

Safety training enables farmers to: 

• Avoid serious and fatal accidents
• Use chemical pesticides and fertilizers safely
• Reduce income lost to agricultural accidents
• Reduce incidences of chemical-related cancers 

While research cannot directly link agricultural safety education to reductions in fatalities, survey studies have linked Extension education to increased awareness of hazards as well as behavioral changes that reduce one’s risk of exposure to them.  

NIFA’s Impact 

Our farm safety efforts strive to help workers avoid workplace hazards, assist those with disabilities to remain employed, and ensure equal access to the agriculture profession for all workers, regardless of background or ability. 

NIFA improves agricultural safety by supporting programs that teach: 

• Appropriate field practices
• Proper equipment use and maintenance
• Safety measures for farm families with children 

In addition, NIFA supports disabled farmers and ranchers with training and resources that allow them to continue to work. 

Helpful Links

• National AgrAbility Project
• Child Labor Requirements in Agricultural Occupations
• Agricultural Equipment on Public Roads White Paper
• AgriSafe Learning Opportunities