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.
In the dairy and pig sectors, PPE plays a crucial role in safeguarding against hazards such as zoonotic diseases, chemical exposure from cleaning agents, and injuries from handling livestock or veterinary medicines.
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. On dairy farms, this includes wearing approved helmets when driving ATVs--an area where accidents remain a major cause of fatalities. Helmets such as motorcycle, equestrian, or cycle helmets that meet BS or EN safety standards should always be worn, with a secure chinstrap and eye protection.
- Hearing protection becomes crucial when operating tractors, vacuum pumps or pressure washers. 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.
- Respiratory protection is key for tasks like feeding and bedding out, where dust, spores and mould from silage, haylage and straw can lead to chronic respiratory conditions such as farmer's lung or occupational asthma. LKL provides FFP2 or FFP3 masks as part of its starter PPE packs to protect against dust inhalation. These masks should be CE or UKCA marked and fitted correctly.
- Hand protection is essential for handling veterinary medicines, cleaning chemicals, and animals. Nitrile or chemical-resistant gloves protect against absorption and puncture injuries, while cut-proof gloves are better for fencing or equipment work. Accidental injection or contamination with vet meds is a known risk, so gloves should always be changed correctly using the "glove-to-glove, skin-to-skin" removal technique to prevent skin contamination.
- Full-body protection through coveralls shields against dirt, chemicals and animal waste. For dairy operations, chemical-resistant or disposable suits are ideal when handling cleaning products or vet meds. Coveralls should be breathable but provide a reliable barrier against splashes and contamination.
- Footwear must be sturdy, slip-resistant and protective. Steel toe-capped boots protect against crush injuries, while waterproof wellingtons are essential in parlours or pens.
- High-visibility clothing remains vital when working near vehicles, machinery or in low-light conditions, ensuring all workers remain visible and safe.
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. Handling livestock, cleaning milking equipment, or administering veterinary medicines each carry different hazards and therefore require different PPE.
PPE comes in different sizes, particularly gloves, masks and helmets, so ensure each worker has the correct fit. Ill-fitting PPE can hinder movement, reduce productivity, and even increase the risk of exposure or injury.
Comfort, hygiene and accessibility are key. Workers should have access to handwashing facilities or water taps to clean hands before and after using PPE, especially when dealing with chemicals or veterinary products.
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 gloves, masks and coveralls exposed to chemicals or animal waste. Visual checks should be done before each use, looking for cracks, tears or loose fittings.
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 ineffective 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.
Training should cover:
- How to fit and remove dust masks safely
- Safe handling of veterinary medicines
- Correct removal of nitrile gloves to avoid contamination
- Handwashing protocols before breaks and meals
Ongoing, hands-on training ensures PPE is worn correctly and risks are minimised.
Legal Duties for Employers and Workers
Under UK law, farm employers must provide suitable PPE free of charge. It must fit properly, meet safety standards, and be maintained and replaced when needed. Workers must use PPE as instructed and report any defects.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces these requirements and can issue penalties for non-compliance.
Where to Source High-Quality PPE
When sourcing PPE for dairy or pig units, reliability and fit are essential. Buy from trusted suppliers who understand agricultural hazards and can recommend PPE for specific risks like respiratory exposure or chemical handling.
Look for:
- CE or UKCA marked equipment
- Correct size ranges for masks, gloves and helmets
- Durable, breathable, and waterproof materials
- Supplier product support and availability
LKL Service Ltd provides starter PPE packs for new workers, including FFP2 dust masks, gloves, boots and high-visibility clothing, along with access to up-to-date Health & Safety information and a growing COSHH Archive.
PPE on farms isn't a box to tick, it's a safeguard against injury, illness and long-term harm. From helmets and gloves to respirators and coveralls, every item plays a part in keeping agricultural workers safe and productive.
