[Introduction]
Across the centuries, women have worked in agriculture providing food for their families and communities. The number of women working as principle farmer has tripled over the past thirty years and their work tasks have also changed. Women contribute to our strong farm economy and will continue to live, work and raise families on farms.
This fact sheet is designed to highlight the unique risk factors for women working in agriculture. Practical solutions are offered to assist farm women in maintaining a healthy and productive farming future.
Gender Differences and Work Related Injury Risk
Size and Shape
Description
On average, women are shorter than men, with different body proportions (i. e., wider hips, shorter arms and legs).
Exposures, Risks, and Their Possible Health and Safety Issues for Women
- Use of equipment or tools not designed for women can increase risk for disorders of the knee and hip, and can cause carpal tunnel in the wrists.
- Personal protective equipment (P P E) that doesn’t fit well can cause exposure to respiratory, chemical, or other hazards.
- Caring for animals can cause increased risk for injury from animal bites or kicks and from being pinned by animal against railing or wall.
Strength
Description
Upper body strength is forty to seventy five percent less, and lower body strength is five to thirty percent less than for males.
Exposures, Risks, and Their Possible Health and Safety Issues for Women
- Use of equipment or tools not designed for women, as well as moving heavy objects, can lead to increased risk for lower back disorders as well as potential injury to wrists and hands.
- Caring for animals, such as aggressive female animals protecting their young, can lead to increased risk for injury from animal bites and kicks, as well as being pinned by animal against railing or wall.
Reproductive Factors
Description
Pregnancy and fertility often are not recognized or considered when women assume farm tasks.
Exposures, Risks, and Their Possible Health and Safety Issues for Women
- Pesticides, needle sticks, and exposure to livestock hormones can potentially lead to fertility complications and or can impact the fetus.
- Caring for animals can cause women to contract zoonotic diseases, which can potentially impact the fetus.
Stress Factors
Description
Work on the farm and off creating competing demands, as women are often responsible for management of household, including caring for children and aging parents and grandparents.
Exposures, Risks, and Their Possible Health and Safety Issues for Women
Lack of sleep and lack of support can lead to increased risk for injury; anxiety; depression; alcohol or drug use; diminished coping skills; and other behavioral health issues. They can also lead to increased risk of illness due to lower immune system function.
Notes for Talking to Your Health Care Provider
- Discuss your farm-related risks.
- Ask questions relative to pesticide exposure and appropriate P P E.
- Review sleep and rest patterns.
- Discuss stress issues.
- Seek routine screenings for early signs of heart disease, breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer and diabetes.
Identify Prevention Strategies to Eliminate or Reduce Ag Related Stress
Gender Differences
Size and Shape
- When possible, work with tools and equipment designed for smaller body frames.
- Be aware of surroundings and risks when working with animals.
- Seek P P E designed to fit your size and shape.
Strength
- Wear sturdy foot attire to avoid slips, trips and falls.
- Avoid repetitive motion work, or modify work to reduce strain on joints.
- Maintain strong bone density by appropriate calcium intake and exercise.
Reproductive Factors
- Read and understand information in precautionary statement on pesticides labels.
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment based on the product label or when working around animals.
- Reduce exposures with proper laundering of personal or family members’ clothing.
Stress Factors
- Establish support systems which may include family, friends, and online blogs.
- Seek assistance from health care professional for symptoms that may indicate depression and or anxiety.
General Risks
Exposure to Heat and Sun
- Wear sun safe hats and clothing.
- Use sunscreen with S P F of thirty or higher at all times in all seasons.
Longer Hairstyles and Ponytails (can be caught in equipment)
- Secure longer hair above neckline in hat or band to prevent entanglement.
Respiratory Exposure (organic dust, pesticides, disinfecting agents)
- Wear N I O S H approved two strap or cartridge respirator in appropriate size to fit your facial structure.
Chronic Noise Exposure (loud equipment, animals)
- Wear N I O S H approved hearing protection.
- Choose hearing protection type and contour to fit your ear canal.
Contact AgriSafe
- www.agrisafe.org
- 1 – 8 6 6 – 3 1 2 – 3 0 0 2
- info@agrisafe.org
[The Fine Print]
This material was produced under a grant (S H 2 6 2 8 0 – S H 4) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U. S. Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the U. S. Department of Labor, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organization imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.
[Logo: AgriSafe Network, Protecting the People Who Feed the World.]