Farm accidents are a major cause of injury and death. The good news is that you can prevent many of the most common injuries. Farmers in Minnesota can lower risk by using practical safety steps and following key state and federal rules.
OSHA standards and workplace safety
OSHA says employers must provide a workplace free from known hazards. However, many farms are exempt from OSHA enforcement. In general, a farm may be exempt if it:
- Employs 10 or fewer non-family employees
- Has not operated a temporary labor camp in the past 12 months
That means any Minnesota farm that employs only immediate family members does not need to comply with federal OSHA requirements. However, this does not mean that there are no workplace safety standards for family-run farms. Section 182.65 of the Minnesota Statutes applies to nearly all workplaces and employees in the state. Minnesota has its own OSHA program (MNOSHA) under this law.
Both state and federal laws set specific mandatory safety standards and enumerate your rights and responsibilities as an employee. Whether you are an employee or employer, you can decrease the risk of accidents by following requirements.
Safe operations and roadway compliance
Train your workers before they start their jobs. Use safety videos, hands-on demos, seatbelt policies and Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS). These simple steps can stop unsafe habits before they lead to an injury.
Following road and traffic laws does more than just keep workers safe. If you own the farm, following state and federal rules can protect you from costly legal issues if an accident happens.
Risk reduction strategies
Before employees start working, farms or employers should provide proper safety training to manage risk. Providing materials, training videos, safety demonstrations and equipment inspections can already reduce instances of unsafe farm operations or management.
Consulting an agricultural safety professional can help ensure compliance while protecting lives and livelihoods. Additionally, you may want to seek legal counsel regarding compliance with Minnesota and federal laws.