Using Technology to Enhance Safety for Farm and Food Processing Workers

Emerging technologies and proper protective equipment can significantly enhance safety for agricultural and food processing workers by preventing injuries and enabling early intervention.

• By Adrian Rusu
• Aug 16, 2024

With the farming season in full effect, and the harvest right around the corner, there is renewed focus on the state of labor for our essential agricultural and food processing workers.

Due to everything from operating heavy machinery to extreme weather conditions and intense manual labor, these key sectors are some of the most dangerous in the country. In fact, agricultural-related injuries top all other industries. This reality is made more acute due to the vulnerability of the populations performing farm work, namely migrant workers.

The risk to food processing workers is so high, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives recently passed legislationincreasing protections for them. Additionally, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has created a National Emphasis Program focused on intervention for workers put in unsafe heat and weather conditions.

As the heat persists, it’s important to understand the risks our agricultural and food processing workers face. Critically, however, these risks can be mitigated through a host of preventative measures, particularly through the use of emerging technological solutions.

Assessing the Dangers of Farm and Food Processing Labor

Walking through the aisles of a supermarket, it can be easy to forget how much work — oftentimes dangerous work — goes into getting food from the farms to people’s homes. Both agricultural and food processing industries are fraught with hazards that can threaten the health and safety of workers.

First and foremost, both of these industries rely on powerful, heavy-duty machinery for a myriad of critical tasks. On farms, machines like tractors and combine harvesters are essential for planting and harvesting crops. And in food processing plants, workers use everything from mechanical separators to saws and extruders to process meat and vegetables. Equipment failure can lead to severe accidents, often resulting in life-threatening injuries. Vehicle accidents—whether due to mechanical issues or operator fatigue—are also common, especially during peak seasons when long hours are the norm.

Exhaustion is another critical issue. The intense physical labor required in these industries often leads to fatigue, which in turn increases the likelihood of accidents. Prolonged exposure to harsh weather conditions, especially during hot summer months which are becoming increasingly hotter, exacerbates this problem. Heat stress and dehydration are constant threats, and workers frequently push their limits to meet demanding production schedules. Factoring in that nearly 20 percent of agricultural workers are 55 years and older, these risks of overexertion are much more pronounced.

By understanding the specific dangers that workers face on a daily basis, employers can implement targeted safety measures, including regular maintenance and inspection of machinery, to prevent malfunctions and ensure that vehicles are operated safely. Additionally, monitoring the health and well-being of workers through regular check-ins can help identify signs of exhaustion before it leads to accidents. This is where emerging technology can really make a difference.

The Role Technology Can Play in Risk Mitigation

Emerging technologies offer promising solutions to mitigate the risks faced by agricultural and food processing workers. One of the most effective tools in this regard is wearable technology. These devices, which can be worn on the body or integrated into clothing, provide real-time feedback on a variety of health and safety metrics from proper movement reinforcement to vital sign monitoring.

Wearables can be deployed to monitor everything from worker body temperature and heart rate to shift duration and length of time exposed to the sun. When thresholds are exceeded, the system can alert the worker and their supervisor, allowing for immediate intervention. This real-time monitoring is particularly valuable during peak seasons when the risk of heat-related illnesses is highest.

Wearable technology can also help maintain ergonomic positions and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries, which are common in both agricultural and food processing settings. These devices can track workers' movements and provide feedback on posture and repetitive motions, helping to prevent strain injuries. For example, smart gloves equipped with sensors can monitor the pressure exerted during manual tasks and guide workers to use safer techniques.

These technologies represent a commitment and focus on workplace safety. Not only do they provide the avenue for early detection and intervention, but they also work hand in hand with more robust training and education on the potential hazards associated with these essential industries.

Finding the Right Protective Gear for the Team

Every industry requires something different in the protection and safety of its workers, and it's the responsibility of management to ensure that all workers have the right personal protective equipment (PPE) for their profession. Understanding the specific hazards associated with each role is crucial. For instance, workers operating heavy machinery need robust protective clothing that can withstand physical impacts, while those handling chemicals require specialized gear to prevent exposure. Conducting a thorough risk assessment for each job function can help identify the necessary protective equipment.

For farm workers, PPE typically includes items such as helmets, gloves, safety glasses and steel-toed boots. Helmets protect against head injuries from falling objects or machinery, while gloves and safety glasses shield hands and eyes from dust and debris. Steel-toed boots are essential for protecting feet from heavy objects and rough terrain.

In food processing environments, the focus shifts to hygiene and chemical protection. Workers often wear aprons, gloves and face shields to prevent contamination and protect against chemical splashes. Additionally, non-slip footwear is crucial in these settings to prevent falls on wet or greasy surfaces.

Advancements in materials and design have led to the development of more comfortable and effective protective gear. For example, lightweight, breathable fabrics help reduce heat stress, while ergonomic designs ensure that gear does not hinder movement or cause discomfort during long shifts. By investing in the right protective gear, maintaining its quality, and reinforcing its use, employers can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of these critical workers.

As summer turns to fall and the harvest season begins, the needs of these essential workers comes into much sharper focus. It’s never too late to begin taking worker safety seriously, especially for such vulnerable sectors like agriculture and food processing. Quality PPE can make a world of difference, and recent advances in wearable technology can revolutionize preventative measures and early intervention.