We've summarised the risks and training opportunities to help farmers avoid long-term illnesses as a result of working in agriculture.

Occupational health and safety in agriculture

An average of 12,000 people suffer with work related ill heath in agriculture.

Illnesses can range from respiratory diseases such as:

  • Farmers lung, from exposure spores from mouldy grain, hay, and straw.

  • Silicosis, from exposure to silica dust.

  • Asthma, from exposure to dust – agriculture has the highest incident rate compared to occupational rates in other industries.

  • Asbestosis, from exposure to asbestos.