Environmental Hazards
Water
Waterborne hazards (e.g., bacteria, parasites, etc.) enter the body through ingestion, or breaks in the skin.
They are 100% avoidable.
For more information on well-water testing, visit Alberta Health Services, Environmental Public Health (Drinking Water) .
Sun
The sun is the number one source of environmental radiation, and sun exposure is the primary cause of skin-related cancers in agricultural workers.
Always wear protective clothing, and use appropriate sun block protection (at least SPF 30).
Fuel
Fuels are the number one hazardous chemical found in the agriculture workplace.
Ensure all fuels are labelled, handled, stored, and disposed of correctly.
Human Factors
In no other environment are the human interactions more important than in the agriculture workplace.
But humans make mistakes.
Other than stress and violence, hazardous conditions that result from human factors are usually the result of omission or ignorance, rather than intention. A work mate pours a hazardous substance into an old coke can, for example, and you take a drink. Another work mate neglects to clean up an oil spill on the shop floor. You slip. Conditions that result from human factors are the most difficult to remedy.
Just remember that keeping yourself and your colleagues safe in the workplace should be your number one priority.
