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Occupational Hazards of Farming
Fall 2009
Contact: Joanne Littlefield
Assistant Director-Community Relations
Phone: (970) 491-4640
Joanne.Littlefield@colostate.edu
If you have experience the hardships of working in agriculture, you are not alone. Financial uncertainty combined with occupational hazards makes farming and ranching one of the most stressful occupations. Consequently, farm owners and farm workers are at risk for stress-related illness.
Stress is a reaction to a situation perceived as difficult or threatening. Stress can affect your physical and mental well-being. Farmers who have stress are more at risk for accidents, injuries, marital and family problems. Therefore, recognizing stress symptoms is important. Finding ways to deal with stress on your own can be difficult. Colorado State University Extension offers solutions and ways to manage stress on the farm.
Stress increases when times are tough and families find themselves in a negative financial situation. One way for farmers to reduce stress levels and depression to thinking positively. It’s also important to have open communication with family members. Start by discussing problems and finding ways to resolve conflict.
When you start to feel stressed, try taking a break and relax. CSU Extension offers some relaxation techniques to practice once or twice daily. These technique can help enhanced a sense of mental and physical well-being. Try finding a quiet environment, such as a quiet room or shade tree. Use a mental device, such as a saying a prayer, or repeating a word like “calm”. Another relaxation technique is to form a passive attitude about worries and concerns.
For more research-based information on stress and time management, contact your local Colorado State Extension family and consumer sciences agent. To access the fact sheet on incidence of stress-related illness in agriculture, go to www.ext.colostate.edu/Pubs/consumer/10201.html.
Updated Tuesday, September 13, 2011
