Farming is physically demanding and inherently risky. From handling livestock and operating machinery to working with pesticides and navigating unpredictable weather, agricultural workers face a unique set of hazards every day. That’s why having the right PPE for farm workers isn’t just recommended - it’s vital.
In this guide we lay out what PPE is, how to choose the right kit for the job, and how to use it effectively to meet both safety standards and legal obligations.
What Is PPE for Farm Workers?
Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, refers to any gear worn to protect against health and safety risks in the workplace. In a farming environment, that means reducing exposure to injury from machinery, infection from animals, chemical exposure, loud noise, and more.
Agricultural work routinely involves tasks that are noisy, dirty, and potentially dangerous. PPE creates a barrier between the worker and the risk, and in many cases, it’s the last line of defence when engineering controls or safe working practices fall short.
Essential Types of Farming PPE
Choosing the right gear depends on the tasks at hand, but most farms require several standard types of PPE.
- Head and face protection is essential when there’s a risk of falling objects, flying debris or low-hanging beams. Hard hats and face shields help prevent head injuries, while safety goggles protect eyes from dust, fertilisers, and chemical splashes.
- Hearing protection becomes crucial when operating tractors, chainsaws or grain dryers. Long-term exposure to loud noise can lead to permanent hearing loss, so ear defenders or earplugs should be readily available for workers in high-noise zones.
- For jobs involving airborne risks, respiratory protection is key. Whether you're cleaning a dusty barn, applying pesticides, or working with fertiliser, a well-fitting dust mask or respirator prevents harmful particles from entering the lungs.
- Hand protection is just as important. Farm workers routinely handle chemicals, sharp tools and animals, so gloves need to match the risk - chemical-resistant gloves for spraying, cut-proof gloves for fencing, and heavy-duty gloves for machinery work.
- When it comes to full-body protection, coveralls are a go-to solution. These shield against dirt, chemicals and animal waste. For chemical handling, disposable suits may offer a better level of hygiene and protection.
- Footwear must be sturdy, slip-resistant and protective. Steel toe-capped boots are a standard requirement to guard against crush injuries, while wellingtons are essential for wet or muddy conditions.
- Lastly, high-visibility clothing is essential when working near vehicles, roads, or in low-light conditions, helping to prevent accidents by making workers easier to spot.
Choosing the Right PPE for the Task
Not all PPE is suitable for every job, and choosing the right gear requires a thoughtful approach. Start by conducting a risk assessment for each task. Spraying crops, for instance, involves chemical exposure and requires full-body suits, gloves, goggles, and a respirator. In contrast, someone feeding livestock may only need boots, gloves and overalls.
Comfort and fit are critical. Ill-fitting PPE can hinder movement, reduce productivity, and even become a hazard. Where possible, provide sizing options and allow workers to test fit before issuing gear.
Always ensure that PPE meets UK safety standards. Look for the CE mark or UKCA mark, which confirms that the product complies with UK safety regulations.
Maintaining PPE: Clean, Check, Replace
Supplying PPE is only half the job - keeping it in good condition is just as important. PPE that’s dirty, damaged or improperly stored quickly loses its effectiveness.
Farm PPE should be cleaned regularly according to manufacturer guidelines. This is especially important for masks, gloves and coveralls that come into contact with hazardous substances. Visual checks should be done before each use, looking for signs of wear, cracks, tears or faulty fastenings.
Items should be replaced as soon as they show signs of damage or deterioration. Even if gear looks intact, PPE such as respirators and boots have a limited lifespan and should be replaced according to the manufacturer’s schedule. All PPE must be stored in a dry, clean, and well-ventilated space, away from direct sunlight and chemicals.
Proper Use and Training: Getting It Right
Even the best PPE is useless if it's not used correctly. Farm workers must know when to use PPE, how to put it on properly, and how to remove it safely to avoid contamination or injury.
Ongoing training is crucial. Workers should understand the specific risks they face and how their PPE helps reduce those risks. Employers should provide clear, accessible training - ideally hands-on - and reinforce it regularly. Mistakes like wearing gloves contaminated with chemicals or removing a mask too early after spraying can have serious consequences.
Legal Duties for Employers and Workers
Under UK law, farm employers have a legal duty to provide PPE that is suitable for the job, fits the user properly, and complies with relevant safety standards. Importantly, this PPE must be provided free of charge.
Employers are also responsible for ensuring PPE is maintained, stored properly, and replaced when needed. Workers, on the other hand, are expected to use PPE correctly and report any defects or concerns immediately.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces these rules and can issue fines or other penalties if farms fail to comply.
Where to Source High-Quality PPE
When sourcing farming PPE, reliability matters. You want gear that not only meets safety standards but also holds up under tough conditions. It’s worth buying from suppliers who understand the agricultural sector and can recommend PPE based on specific tasks.
Look for:
- CE or UKCA marked equipment
- A supplier with product support and availability
- Practical features like reinforced seams, breathable fabrics, and waterproof coatings
PPE on farms isn't just a box to tick - it’s an essential safeguard against injury, illness, and long-term harm. From boots and gloves to respirators and high-vis jackets, every piece has a role to play in keeping farm workers safe and productive.
At LKL Services, we don’t just supply high-quality PPE - we also provide access to detailed Health & Safety information and a growing COSHH Archive to support safe working practices across all areas of agriculture. Whether you need guidance on the right gear or help understanding your legal responsibilities, we’re here to assist.
