The farm is more than a workplace — it’s also home. It’s where families are raised, crops are grown, and livestock are cared for, all while running a demanding business.

During busy times of the year, like planting or harvest, the pace of work increases, hours get longer, and the risks rise.

Many farm injuries are preventable. Awareness, preparation, and taking a moment to slow down can make all the difference to help keep a life-changing accident at bay.

Why it matters

Common risks include long days and fatigue, heavy machinery and moving equipment, time pressure from weather and field conditions, road travel with slow-moving vehicles, multiple people working closely together, or working with animals that can behave unpredictably.

When fatigue sets in or distractions creep in, the risk of injury rises quickly.

Farm safety isn’t just about rules and regulations, it’s about people:

• Protecting family members, employees, and neighbours
• Preventing injuries that can disrupt operations during critical seasons
• Reducing long-term physical and mental health impacts
• Keeping farms running safely and efficiently

Accidents can happen in a split second, but many can be avoided with planning and attention — even during the busiest times of the year.

How to protect yourself, your team and your farm

You can’t eliminate every risk, but small, consistent actions go a long way.

Plan ahead

• Wear protective equipment: gloves, boots, helmets, eye and ear protection, dust masks if needed
• Keep a stocked first aid kit readily available
• Post emergency contact numbers where everyone can see them
• Carry a charged phone when heading out for the day

Inspect equipment

• Check tractors, planters, and attachments before use
• Repair worn or damaged parts and replace missing safety guards
• Shut down equipment before making adjustments or clearing blockages

Educate your team

• Review safety procedures with employees and family members and make expectations clear
• Encourage everyone to speak up about hazards or near-misses

Stay alert

• Avoid working when overly tired, rushed, or distracted
• Take regular breaks and stay hydrated
• Step back and reassess when frustration or stress builds

Don’t forget about kids!

Children grow up watching farm work and often want to help — but clear boundaries are essential.

• Keep kids away from operating machinery and active work sites
• Never allow grain bins, wagons, or equipment to be used as play areas
• Teach children to wear proper footwear and safety gear
• Supervise closely around livestock, which can react unpredictably

Mental health is important too

Taking care of your mental well-being is just as important as maintaining your equipment.

Free, confidential support is available 24/7 through the Farmer Wellness Initiative at 1-866-267-6255.

Excerpts from recent OFA Viewpoints

“Accidents can happen in a split second, but many can be prevented with awareness and preparation. Farm safety is about knowing what to do on the farm to avoid accidents and injuries – and not just during busy times like planting or harvest, but anytime you’re working with equipment or livestock.”
–Paul Maurice, Executive Member, November 2025

“A farm can be a hazardous workplace so it’s important to know where the dangers are. For us that means not just being careful ourselves, but also making sure our employees have the training they need, whether it’s safely disposing of needles in a sharps container, or knowing where the blind spots are when driving a tractor or a skid steer. We also have two young boys, and it critical for us to teach them how to do things properly and safely – and to ensure they have respect for the hazards that livestock, tools and machines can represent.”
–Tracey Arts, Director, March 2024

Farm safety is everyone’s responsibility — and it starts with awareness, preparation, and respect for both the visible and invisible risks on the farm.

More information, including Viewpoints, resources and recorded webinars are available at ofa.on.ca.