Staying safe on the farm this winter

By Brianna Smith

As temperatures drop and the icy mornings settle across Ohio, the farm becomes a different workplace. Tasks take longer, conditions are ever-changing, and a simple chore can become much riskier when cold, wind, or moisture are factored in. For farmers, knowing what to expect and how to prevent common winter hazards can make all the difference.

Dee Jepsen, Ph. D., state leader of Ohio State Extension’s Agricultural Safety and Health Program, says preparation is the first and most crucial step.

“As we head into those winter months, there are several hot topics we need to talk about,” Jepsen said. “Being prepared, working in the right kind of clothing, preventing slips and falls, using good electrical equipment, and watching for carbon monoxide — those are big topics.”

The first line of defense, Jepsen said, begins before stepping outside. The winter environment combines several factors that quickly add up to dangerous conditions.

“Anytime we’re exposed to cold, wet, and even windy conditions, that’s when it’s really dangerous,” she said. “Even though the temperature may be above freezing, there are other factors that put our bodies at risk.”

Hypothermia affects the body’s core temperature, while frostbite is more likely to strike the extremities, like fingers, toes, and ears, where circulation is limited.

To protect those vulnerable areas, Jepsen emphasized layers and dry clothing.

“We need to be protecting ourselves with layers of clothing, that includes additional clothing, wearing hats and hoods, wearing gloves, wearing appropriate boots and warm socks,” she said. “Having an extra pair of socks and an extra pair of gloves in our vehicles so that if we’re out working and do get wet, we can replace those wet items pretty quickly.”

A surprising number of cold-related injuries happen because a quick task turns into a long one.

“Sometimes you think you’re only going to be out there for a minute or 10 minutes, 30 minutes at the most, and then it turns out you’re out there much longer,” Jepsen said. “So being prepared is the number one priority.”

To the extent possible, use the weather reports to plan your day or week. Scheduling chores during the warmest part of the day can help reduce cold stress, especially when winds are high or moisture is present. Then, taking periodic breaks to warm up is essential.

“It’s important to seek shelter or medical attention if shivering cannot be stopped, or if you start stumbling, are confused, or experience extreme fatigue,” she said.

Hydration is often overlooked in winter, but the body still needs adequate fluids to regulate temperature and support circulation. Outdoor chores and physical labor, combined with layered clothing, can lead to perspiration even in cold conditions. For that reason, it is important to drink plenty of water throughout the winter months.

Winter also sees increased use of electric heating elements, such as heat lamps for newborn animals, water tank heaters to prevent ice buildup, and supplemental heaters in barns and shops. All of them come with added risks.

Jepsen states that an important practice is not to use any overly worn-out equipment.

“Some of our electrical products may show wear and tear,” she said. “I’m always going to recommend that you inspect the old items and discard them if their wiring is showing cracks or the plug is not firmly attached to the cord. You should replace faulty wired appliances each season.”

Low-quality bulbs in heat lamps can also be dangerous.

“They have really thin glass on them and can shatter and expose the elements to some of our burnable materials out there in the barn,” she explained. “We want to make sure we use the bulbs recommended for that heat lamp.”

Positioning heating elements also matters. Heat lamps should always be kept 20 inches away from straw, blankets, or bedding.

“Never lay a heat lamp on a flammable surface, even for a short period of time,” she stressed. “We get distracted in the barns, and then they end up staying there for a while.”

Jepsen also recommends periodically checking heat lamps during cold spells or investing in barn cameras to make sure nothing shifts or overheats while unattended.

The single most overlooked fire risk? Extension cords.

“If I could point to one hazard in a barn — and it’s almost every barn — it’s poor electrical extension cords being used regularly,” Jepsen said. “Running them through gates or doorways lets them get crinkled, split, and start to fray.”

Jepsen advises that damaged cords should be thrown away, not taped or repaired. She also recommends investing in more electrical outlets if possible, rather than incorporating more electrical cords, especially when trying to plug in heating elements.

“If you are always using extension cords in a certain area, perhaps that could be an area you improve upon and add more outlets,” she said.

Icy conditions around the farm also increase the risk of injury.

“A lot of us don’t think about slips and falls, but really in any workplace, slips, trips, and falls are the number one reported injury,” Jepsen said. “When we get outside on ice or walking with bulky clothes on, slips, trips, and falls are certainly a problem.”

Jepsen recommends wearing slip-resistant footwear with good traction, taking short or shuffling steps on icy surfaces, and keeping hands free rather than tucked into pockets.

 “If we can keep our hands out and use them to balance, that helps steady us,” she said.

She also encourages farmers to use handrails and maintain three points of contact when climbing on or off equipment — either two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand — to ensure stable footing. Simple additions like sand, gravel, or kitty litter can help improve traction on commonly traveled paths between the house, barn, and shop.

“Be especially aware of places near livestock waterers,” she added. “Ice will form in those areas if water overflows a little bit, and we didn’t catch it in time.”

Another winter hazard lurks indoors: carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can accumulate when shops or barns are tightly closed up against the cold.

“One of the silent hazards is the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning,” Jepsen said. “Especially if we have everything all buttoned up and sealed up and we’re running heaters.

“If you start getting headaches, feeling dizzy or nauseous, or just overall feeling ill or tired, that could be a sign of carbon monoxide,” she said. “If you’re working in heated areas to stay warm, make sure you have some ventilation in that area as well.”

When using gas-powered engines inside enclosed spaces, including garages, shops, or barns, the space should be adequately ventilated. Installing carbon monoxide alarms in shops or workspaces adds another layer of protection during the winter months.

As winter settles in, Jepsen encourages farmers to slow down, think ahead, and take small precautions that add up to safer working conditions.

“Stay warm, stay safe, take frequent breaks, and stay hydrated while you’re out there working this winter,” she said.

For more cold-weather safety tips and agricultural safety resources, farmers can visit agsafety.osu.edu, where Jepsen curates articles, training materials, and seasonal guidance for Ohio producers.