What Causes Farm Injuries?

Transportation incidents, like crashes, tractor overturns, and being struck by a vehicle, were the leading cause of death for farmers and farm workers in 2021, according to the BLS. Some other causes of farm injuries include but are not limited to:

• Entanglement or collision with machinery
• Toxic exposure to herbicides & pesticides
• Falls from ladders, machines, barns, roofs, aerial lifts, etc.
• Fires and explosions due to fuel, gases, or dust from harvesting/storing grain
• Farm animals’ kicks, bites & trampling
• Becoming buried in a silo, grain bin, or grain elevator
• Weather

There are many possible injuries that could be caused by the variety of accidents listed previously. These include but are not limited to:

• Broken bones
• Crush injuries
• Amputations
• Traumatic brain injury
• Damage to organs
• Cuts, scrapes, and lacerations
• Burn injuries
• Irritation of eyes, nose, mouth, or airway
• Respiratory disease
• Cancer
• Musculoskeletal disorders
• Hearing loss
• Animal bites
• Bacterial infections from bites
• Suffocation

Farm injuries can be costly, debilitating, and even deadly. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a farm accident, contact an experienced attorney to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Read More: Most Common Agricultural Injuries

As one would expect, most farm accidents occur during the peak harvesting season. June, July, and August are often the most active times of year for an agricultural worker. With activity at its highest rate, there are bound to be more accidents.

During crop production and harvesting, care must be taken to maintain safety protocols. With more workers, extra machinery, and encroaching deadlines, workers may be encouraged to cut corners. To protect yourself and others, it is important to abide by standard safety precautions.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends following guidelines when working with various types of hazards in an agricultural occupation. These include but are not limited to:

Animal-Transmitted Infections & Diseases

• Wash hands thoroughly & frequently
• Always use appropriate personal protective equipment
• Receive relevant vaccinations
• Attend training in infection control measures

Grain Bins & Silos

• Refrain from standing or walking on grain
• Wear proper safety equipment (body harness, boatswain’s chair)
• Attend training on grain dust explosions

Dangerous Equipment & Machinery

• Maintain equipment per the manufacturers’ specifications
• Ensure all power tools have been grounded & are used properly
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment
• Keep long hair tied back & do not wear loose clothing
• Maintain well-lit & uncluttered work areas

Heat Illness

• Drink plenty of water (at least every 15 minutes)
• Wear a hat and light-colored clothing
• Rest when you can and in the shade
• Watch your coworkers for signs of illness

Falls

• Attend training in fall protection
• Wear & use fall protection when working from heights
• Maintain ladders & other equipment
• Keep work areas tidy & uncluttered
• Wear boots that fit well & have non-slip soles

Musculoskeletal Injuries

• Utilize ergonomic protections
• Always use the proper tools for a task
• Use padding to reduce vibrations

Noise

• Maintain equipment to reduce decibel levels
• Install acoustic insulation on walls & ceilings when necessary
• Use personal protective equipment to protect ears
• Apply vibration isolation pads to noisy equipment

Pesticides, Herbicides, & Other Chemicals

• Attend training on handling & working with hazardous chemicals
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment

Respiratory Hazards

• Wear respiratory protection
• Maintain proper enclosures & ventilation on tractors

Unsanitary Conditions

Per OSHA Standard 1928.110, any agricultural operation with 11 or more workers must provide basic sanitary conditions. As a worker, you have the right to:

• Toilet facilities
• Handwashing facilities
• Potable water
• Reasonable use of these facilities
• Properly maintained facilities

Vehicle Dangers

• Always shut off a vehicle when refueling
• Utilize Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS)
• Ensure any towed implement is properly hitched
• When a vehicle is parked:
  • Shut it off
  • Ensure the brake is engaged
  • Put it in gear or in park-lock
  • Remove the keys
  • Disengage any attachments
• Store fuel storage tanks separately
• Store the vehicle in an uncluttered area away from structures housing livestock
• Be aware of the height of electrical lines in comparison to vehicle height
• Train properly on any vehicle you are operating
• Do not wear loose clothing or hair when working near or with a running machine
• Be familiar with the owner’s manual of a vehicle