Irrigation systems move and deliver water that is important for the survival of agricultural crops. Moving equipment, electricity, water pressure, pumping systems, and field conditions related to irrigation and agriculture require workers to follow safety protocols. Make sure your employees are aware of and understand the safety protocols you have in place and how these requirements are designed to avoid injury.

What your employees need to know about irrigation safety

Potential hazards that employees should keep in mind include electrocution, hazardous-energy, falls, sprains and strains, struck-by, and pinch-points.

Electrocution. Injuries related to electrocution can occur if pipes contact power lines or if water streams conduct electricity. Training for employees should include a direction to stay at least 10 feet away from power lines.

Hazardous energy. Hazardous energy, such as irrigation system’s water pressure, can put workers at risk. If water is sprayed out at a high rate, nearby workers could suffer serious injury to the eyes and other parts of the body if struck by the spraying water. 

Falls. Some components of the equipment needing service may exceed 6 feet in height. Addressing these elevated components may require the use of built-in or portable ladders. Fall protection equipment may also be needed.

Sprains and strains. The irrigation system can be heavy and awkward to move. Your workers are at risk of sprains and strains especially if they’re not using proper lifting techniques or mechanical tools that lift and move the heavy equipment. Sprains and strains can also occur if workers do not use the appropriate sized tools for the job.

Struck-by and pinch-points. Moving parts and those that come in contact with each other put workers at risk of serious injury to the face, eyes, arms, hands, and other body parts. Pipes can fail or slide together, or other parts can come loose or fail and strike the employee. Unplanned streams of water may also occur, which poses an additional injury risk to anyone working nearby. In addition, parts may come loose or fall when equipment is loaded for transportation or unloaded from the transport vehicle.

What your employees need to do to minimize the risk of injuries

Workers should be aware of and keep a safe distance away from electrical equipment and infrastructure, especially moving parts or those that have come loose and potentially flying through the air. Also, workers should always presume irrigation systems are under pressure and must ensure they have been depressurized before performing maintenance.

Always use the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job to protect the body and prevent falls when working from heights. Employees must contact their supervisor should the right equipment not be available and report any damaged equipment. PPE for working on irrigation systems should include:

  • Safety glasses to protect eyes
  • Gloves to protect hands and fingers
  • Earplugs or earmuffs around loud equipment
  • Appropriate footwear for the conditions (mud, snow, water, heat, etc.) to protect the feet and toes
  • Fall prevention equipment for those working at heights

What to cover at your safety meeting about irrigation safety

Discuss and demonstrate how to recognize the hazards of water under pressure, how systems are under pressure, and to confirm the system has been depressurized before servicing.

Other steps to cover include:

  • The potential electrocution risk when water comes in contact with electricity
  • The use of fall prevention gear when working from heights
  • The efforts needed to move heavy material
  • Other potential hazards such as stored energy, lifting and pulling strains, struck-by and pinch points

In addition, make sure your employees understand what to do in case of emergency. This includes your emergency action plan, when to administer first aid (and who is responsible for administering first aid), when to evacuate the workplace, and when emergency medical response is needed.

Employees that understand the hazards that come with working on or near irrigation systems and how to address those hazards help you create a safer workplace. Talk with your employees today about the appropriate safety steps to avoid injury and be more productive on the job.

(Rev. 07/2024)