Characteristics of Fatal Agricultural Injuries by Production Type

Abstract. Although agriculture is recognized as a hazardous industry, it is unclear how fatal agricultural injuries differ by production type. The purpose of this study was to characterize fatal occupational injuries in agriculture, comparing crop and animal production, and determine which risk factors are specifically associated with each production type. A cross-sectional study was conducted among crop and animal producers using data from the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in the Midwest region from 2005 to 2012. Rates of fatal injury by production type were estimated. The frequency of fatal injury in each production type was also reported by demographic and injury characteristics. Finally, a logistic regression was performed to determine whether age, gender, injury timing, or injury event/exposure type were associated with crop or animal production. A total of 1,858 fatal agriculture-related injuries were identified, with 1,341 in crop production and 517 in animal production. The estimated rate of fatal injury was higher in crop production than in animal production (15.9 vs. 10.8 per 100,000 workers). Fatal injuries among young and elderly agricultural workers were significantly associated with crop production compared to animal production. Animal assaults, falls, and exposure to harmful substances or environments were significantly associated with animal production. Fatal agricultural injury is more common in crop production. However, the characteristics and risk factors of fatal injuries differ by production type. Intervention strategies may be guided by considering the production-specific risk factors.