How to Keep Farm Helpers Safe During Busy Seasons

By Blake Jackson

Farms are often fast-paced environments, and during busy periods or emergencies, extra help can be essential. However, as noted by Ginger D. Fenton, dairy Extension educator with Penn State Extension, the people stepping in to assist may not always be familiar with daily farm operations, creating potential safety concerns.

When farms are short-staffed, producers may rely on a wide range of helpers, including family members not regularly involved in farm work, students, retired neighbors, or fellow farmers.

While these individuals are valuable, their limited experience with routine tasks can increase the risk of accidents, especially if they receive little instruction before beginning work.

Stressful situations can further reduce communication and patience, making it even more important to prioritize safety.

Researchers have described the “third shift phenomenon,” where individuals—often women—balance off-farm jobs, household responsibilities, and farm work. This added workload can lead to fatigue and stress, increasing the likelihood of injury.

Similarly, youth helpers may take unnecessary risks. Studies show that nearly half of farm youth view risk-taking as part of the job, and many admit to performing dangerous tasks without their parents’ knowledge.

Retired or part-time helpers may also present safety challenges due to varying levels of experience and familiarity with equipment. Research has linked occasional machinery use with unsafe practices, highlighting the need for consistent training and oversight.

To improve safety, farms should clearly communicate expectations and encourage open dialogue about skills and comfort levels. Providing step-by-step instructions, posting reminders, and including all helpers in safety discussions can make a significant difference.

Maintaining equipment, ensuring protective gear is available, and assigning tasks based on ability are also critical steps.

Ultimately, whether experienced or not, every helper should be properly trained and supported to ensure a safe and productive farm environment.

Recommendations to Improve Farm Safety:

• Establish clear safety guidelines and communicate them to all helpers.
• Assess each helper’s skills and assign tasks based on their experience level.
• Provide hands-on training and easy-to-follow instructions before starting any task.
• Ensure all machinery is well-maintained and equipped with proper safety guards.
• Encourage open communication so helpers feel comfortable asking questions or reporting concerns.

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