Agriculture ranks as one of the most hazardous occupations. Farmers are at high risk for injuries such as work-related
lung diseases, noise-induced
hearing loss,
skin diseases, and certain
cancers associated with
chemical use and prolonged sun exposure. In addition, farming is one of the few industries in which entire families are also at risk.
More than 2.25 million people are employed full-time in agriculture.
Tragically, approximately 100 children are killed and 100,000 are injured annually in agriculture-related activities.
As for adults, an average of 132 American farm workers are crushed to death by tractor
rollovers each year. It has been estimated that the use of protective equipment, such as
seat belts on tractors, could prevent up to 40% of all farm work injuries. About 500 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries
on a daily basis, with 5% resulting in permanent physical impairment.
The majority of farm accidents and fatalities involve the use of machinery. Proper machine guarding and equipment maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations helps in avoiding accidents.
Aside from mechanical hazards, farmers must handle a variety of toxic agricultural chemicals. Many of these substances may prove fatal if not used and stored properly. The primary illnesses affecting agricultural workers are
Green Tobacco Sickness and Cancer.
View sub-topics at right to learn more about the dangers of agricultural employment.
See Also
- Migrant Workers: Overview
- Workplace Injuries & Discrimination: Overview
- Farmer's Lung