On the farm

This information is for people who work in agriculture. It gives information on things in the workplace that could damage the lungs and advice on how to protect them.

What are the hazards?

These are some of the hazards you may come into contact with at work.

  • Dusts from grains

    Dusts made when working with grains like barley, wheat, oats, maize and rye.

  • Dusts from animals and birds

    When handling animals or cleaning the area where they are kept, you might breathe in dust from the animals’ fur, feathers, dead skin, urine, droppings or saliva. This includes dusts from poultry and pigs which can irritate your lungs.

    Exposure to cow dander (small flakes of skin from cattle) can also cause an allergic reaction for some people.

  • Moulds on hay, straw and grain

    Crops harvested in wet weather can often go mouldy before crumbling to a fine dust when they dry out.

  • Dust from wood

    Created when working on softwood and hardwood.

  • Farm chemicals

    Farm work often involves handling chemicals such as pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, fertilisers, fuels, solvents and cleaning agents.

  • Farm gases

    Silage releases a range of gases as it ferments. This includes nitrogen dioxide which can cause serious danger to lung health if you are exposed to high concentrations.

    Manure storage facilities can produce hydrogen sulfide which can also be extremely dangerous if breathed in.

Smoking or vaping harms your lungs

Smoking is the biggest risk factor for lung conditions like COPD and lung cancer.
Vaping also exposes your lungs to harmful chemicals.

Quitting smoking or vaping will help protect your lungs.

Nicotine is addictive, and stopping can be difficult.

Conditions

How can your health be affected?

How to protect yourself

Your employer has a responsibility to ensure the work environment is appropriately ventilated and that you are provided with protective clothing and appropriate safety advice.

Here are seven things you can do to ensure you’re doing everything you can to protect your lung health at work.

  • Assess Risk

    Do risk assessments to make sure you are doing jobs safely and efficiently.

  • Work carefully

    Try not to make too much dust.

  • Ventilation

    Make sure that your work area is appropriately ventilated so that cleaner air can come into the room.

    Make sure you have a dust extractor and that it is switched on and working.

  • Keep it clean

    • Use an industrial vacuum to clear dust from the floors, walls and rafters
    • If using a brush wet the dust before sweeping it up
    • Avoid getting dust on your own clothes and hair – wear overalls and headgear
    • If wearing your own clothes, wash them regularly and leave them at work – do not wear them at home

  • Wear the right protective equipment

    Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) can help reduce exposure to harmful substances, particularly when other measures cannot fully control what’s in the air. Depending on your work, this could include masks, gloves or eye protection. Your employer is responsible for providing the right equipment for your role, as well as training on how to use it correctly.

    Different masks and other PPE are available in a range of sizes and designs. If you are having trouble using the equipment supplied by your employer, you should discuss the options for using a different kind.

  • Health check-ups

    Get your health checked regularly. If there is a health scheme at your workplace, take part in it. Otherwise, see a healthcare professional regularly and make sure they know about your workplace. Health surveillance might include answering questions about your symptoms or lung function tests. This can help identify problems early.

    If you notice any new symptoms or are concerned about your health, don’t wait. Report them to your doctor or occupational health scheme promptly.

  • Know what to expect from your employer

    Your employer has a responsibility to reduce your exposure to harmful substances. This can include using safer alternatives where possible, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing the right equipment, training and safety advice.

    If any of this seems to be missing at your workplace, it is worth raising it with your employer, health and safety representative or union.

More information