Cold working environments on dairy farms in Finland

Abstract

Objectives. The study aimed to clarify in what kind of thermal environments agricultural work is done in Finland. The investigation focused on low temperatures and the working environments on dairy farms.Methods. The approached was based on measurements of thermal environments in dairy barns and calf shelters, and weather data from 117 meteorological stations in Finland. The interdependence between the indoor temperatures and the weather was studied with the help of mathematical models.Results. Mathematical prediction models for air temperature in various work-places on a farm were determined and air velocity measured. Farmers are exposed to a wide range of temperatures on a daily basis. The range is widest on farms having insulated barns and long work periods with a tractor. There is frosty weather during 3–6 months per year. The air velocity is normally fairly low.Conclusions. The main problem in the working environments on a farm relating to thermal conditions is the wide temperature range of the various work-places occupied during a work cycle. Knowledge of thermal environments should be taken into consideration when planning work-places and when planning work sequences, their order and methods of working, and the division of labour between farm workers.