Injury risk factors to farm and ranch operators in the Central United States

Abstract

Background: This study focused on risk factors for serious injuries in farm and ranch operators in the central United States.

Methods: The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, sent mail surveys to 6953, 6912, and 6912 farms/ranches in 2011-2013, respectively, covering seven Midwestern states.

Results: The average survey response rate was 35%. The average annual incidence rate (injuries/100 workers) was 6.91 for all injuries and 2.40 for serious injuries. Univariate analyses determined several demographic and farm production-related risk factors for serious injury. Adjusted analysis showed a greater risk of serious injury for operators of age 45-54 years (vs. 65 and higher), those who worked 75-99% of their time (vs. less time), and those who operated larger land areas (vs. smaller).

Conclusion: The identified risk factors should be considered when targeting injury prevention programs.

Keywords: agricultural injury; farm injury; injury risk factors; occupational injury on farm; serious farm injury.