Citation

Field WE, Purschwitz M. Public Health Rep. (1974) 1987; 102(6): 642-644.

Affiliation

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA

Copyright

(Copyright © 1987, Association of Schools of Public Health)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

With an annual death rate of 49 work-related fatalities per 100,000 workers, agriculture ranks second only to mining as the most hazardous industry in the United States in which to work. Historically, agriculture has been one of the three most dangerous industries, along with mining and construction.

Fatal and permanently disabling agricultural accidents typically involve tractors and other farm machines, which have potentially dangerous components. Because machines and systems are operated inside and outside and in climatic extremes ranging from arid deserts to severe winters, poor operating conditions can compound the danger. Other significant causes of serious agricultural accidents include electrocutions, falls, entrapments in flowing grain, and exposure to toxic materials.

Regardless of the cause of the accident or the job being performed, farming remains essentially independent work, with no supervisor present to offer safety training or ensure that safe practices are followed. Farm families' high level of tolerance for injuries in the workplace has also contributed to high injury levels.