Agriculture Safety in BC: Pesticides, Confined Spaces, and Seasonal Heat Controls

Control key agricultural hazards: pesticides/fumigants, confined spaces, and heat stress.

WorkSafeBC identifies agriculture hazards including pesticides, electricity, machinery, confined spaces, and ladder work, reinforcing the need for hazard identification and control. Pesticides and fumigants can cause poisoning and long-term health effects; WorkSafeBC notes most pesticide injury claims involve skin contact, and inhalation and ingestion are also exposure routes. The OHSR Part 6 includes specific requirements for pesticide warning signs and related duties.

Agricultural confined spaces are often underestimated. WorkSafeBC’s agriculture confined space resources describe hazards including oxygen deficiency, carbon dioxide, bacteria/mould, flowing feed/grain bridging and engulfment, pesticides/fumigants, and unguarded equipment. Treat these spaces as confined space entries with testing, entry procedures, and rescue planning. CCOHS highlights that confined spaces can include poor air quality and toxic gases such as hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide.

Seasonal heat adds risk during intensive periods. Integrate heat stress controls (hydration, rest, shade, scheduling) to prevent heat stress.

• Actionable takeaways

  Control pesticide exposure with task-based PPE and procedures; treat barns/silos/tanks as confined space hazards with testing and rescue readiness; implement seasonal heat triggers and rest/hydration controls.