Farm Workwear and PPE: What Farmers and Ag Workers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: a farm worker needs elastic-side safety boots and safety gumboots for wet yards and sheds, full sun protection (long sleeves, wide brim, SPF 50+), chemical-resistant gloves, goggles and a respirator for spraying, hearing protection for machinery and chainsaws, leather work gloves for fencing and stock, and a P2 mask for dusty sheds and grain handling.
The farm kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Elastic-side boots | AS 2210.3 safety toe for machinery and stock work; easy on and off between the ute and the house. | Elastic-side boots, e.g. Hard Yakka Grit pull-on boot, Blundstone 311, Blundstone 310 |
| Gumboots | Safety gumboots for dairies, yards and irrigation; slip-resistant sole. | Gumboots, e.g. Blundstone 025 safety gumboot |
| Sun protection | Long sleeves, a wide brim and SPF 50+ in bulk for the shed. | Portwest wide brim hat, SPF 50+ sunscreen 1 L pump |
| Chemical gloves | Long-cuff nitrile or PVC for handling and mixing ag chemicals. Check the label. | Pro Choice BN60 nitrile chemical glove |
| Spraying respirator | Half-face with the filter type stated on the chemical label (often combined gas and particulate). | JSP Typhoon 8 half mask spray kit, respiratory protection |
| Eye protection | Sealed goggles for mixing chemicals; glasses for fencing and workshop jobs. | Pro Choice Ambush spec/goggle |
| Hearing protection | Tractors, chainsaws, grinders and shearing plant. | Hearing protection |
| Work gloves | Leather for fencing wire, posts and stock handling. | Pro Choice extended-cuff rigger |
Farm-specific hazards
- Chemicals: the product label and safety data sheet specify the required PPE. Follow them exactly.
- Dust: grain, hay and animal sheds produce organic dust that causes farmer's lung. A P2 mask helps for dusty jobs.
- Noise: long hours on older machinery cause gradual hearing loss.
- Safe Work Australia's agriculture guidance covers quad bikes, machinery and chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
What boots are best for farm work?
Elastic-side safety boots for general work and safety gumboots for wet, muddy or dairy work. A safety toe protects against stock and machinery.
What PPE do I need for spraying chemicals on a farm?
Whatever the product label lists. Usually long chemical-resistant gloves, goggles or a face shield, a respirator with the right filter type, and coveralls.
Do farm workers need hearing protection?
Yes for tractors without sealed cabs, chainsaws, angle grinders and workshop tools.
Outfitting a team
Farm or ag business? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment and site rules decide what is mandatory.