OSHA Regulations and Farm Equipment Safety in Arkansas
What Farm Workers and Families Need to Know About Equipment Safety and Legal Rights
Farm work comes with real risks, and no one knows that better than the men and women who operate tractors, balers, augers, and harvesters across Arkansas fields. That’s why the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforces federal safety standards for agricultural equipment and labor conditions. These rules are designed to protect workers from the devastating injuries that can happen when machinery isn’t properly guarded, maintained, or used.
Unfortunately, many serious farm accidents happen because employers ignore OSHA standards or cut corners on training and safety protocols. And when that happens, injured workers and their families deserve answers — and accountability.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, our Jonesboro lawyers represent farm workers and their families across Northeast Arkansas who’ve been hurt by preventable equipment failures and safety violations. If you were injured on the job, we’re here to help you understand your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Key OSHA Regulations for Farm Equipment
OSHA’s regulations for agricultural equipment focus on one core principle: prevent injuries before they happen. That means implementing safety features, enforcing maintenance schedules, and ensuring workers are properly trained. Here are four key categories that often play a role in serious farm accidents:
Rollover Protective Structures (ROPS) on Tractors
Tractors are one of the most dangerous machines on a farm. OSHA requires tractors built after October 25, 1976, to be equipped with rollover protective structures and seat belts. ROPS are critical because tractor rollovers are a leading cause of death in agriculture, especially when operators are unprotected. If a tractor lacked a ROPS or if the seatbelt wasn’t functional or provided, that may be a direct OSHA violation.
Guarding on PTO Shafts, Augers, and Other Moving Parts
Power take-off (PTO) shafts, augers, conveyors, and similar components must be guarded to prevent contact. These moving parts can catch loose clothing, pull workers in, and cause catastrophic injuries in seconds. OSHA regulations require shielded components and prohibit the removal or disabling of guards. Missing or damaged guards are a major red flag in accident investigations.
Lockout/Tagout Procedures for Equipment Maintenance
Farm workers are often required to perform repairs or maintenance on dangerous machinery. OSHA mandates lockout/tagout procedures that ensure the equipment is fully powered down and can’t restart unexpectedly during maintenance. If these steps weren’t followed — or if the employer failed to train workers on them — the company may be directly responsible for resulting injuries.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
Employers must provide and enforce the use of appropriate PPE for farm work. This includes gloves, steel-toed boots, eye protection, hearing protection, and respiratory equipment when handling chemicals or working in dusty environments. If you weren’t given PPE or weren’t told how to use it, your employer may have violated OSHA standards.
Common OSHA Violations That Cause Farm Accidents
When agricultural employers put production ahead of safety, it’s often workers who suffer the consequences. Some of the most common OSHA violations on farms include:
- Missing Safety Guards – Exposed PTO shafts, spinning blades, and open gearboxes can cause traumatic amputations or fatal injuries.
- Lack of Proper Training – Many workers are put on equipment without being taught how to use it safely. That’s not just negligent — it’s illegal under OSHA.
- Failure to Provide PPE – If your employer didn’t supply gloves, boots, goggles, or other necessary safety gear, they could be held accountable.
- Poor Maintenance Practices – OSHA requires regular inspection and maintenance of farm machinery. Worn belts, faulty brakes, or unaddressed hydraulic leaks can all lead to disaster.
- Inadequate Emergency Protocols – Employers must have a plan in place for emergencies, especially when handling pesticides or operating hazardous equipment. Failure to do so puts every worker at risk.
What to Do If Your Employer Violates OSHA Standards
If you suspect your injury was caused by an OSHA violation or unsafe working conditions, here are the key steps to take:
- Get Medical Help First – Your health comes first. Seek immediate medical attention for any injury, and make sure your condition is documented by a provider.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the equipment, the accident scene, and any missing guards or safety features. If coworkers witnessed the incident or warned of a hazard, make note of their names.
- Report the Hazard – OSHA allows farm workers (or their families) to file a confidential complaint about unsafe working conditions. An OSHA inspection may follow.
- Talk to a Lawyer – A farm accident attorney can investigate further, preserve evidence, and determine whether you’re eligible for compensation through a personal injury claim, workers’ compensation, or both.
- Don’t Rely on the Employer Alone – Some employers try to fix or hide the problem after an accident. Others blame the worker. Having an experienced attorney on your side can make sure your rights are protected.
Get Legal Help From a Trusted Arkansas Farm Accident Lawyer
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, we’ve seen how quickly a day in the field can turn into a life-changing tragedy. If you were injured because a machine wasn’t guarded, a tractor rolled over, or safety procedures weren’t followed, we can help you fight for the compensation you need.
From our office in Jonesboro, we serve clients across Northeast Arkansas, including Craighead County, Greene County, Poinsett County, and beyond. Your consultation is free — and you don’t owe us a thing unless we win your case.
Contact McDaniel Law Firm today to talk to a lawyer who understands farm injury law and OSHA safety standards.