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Spike in agriculture-related deaths raises safety concerns
Missouri
A spike in reported agriculture-related fatalities so far this year has drawn concern from University of Missouri safety specialists.
Fifteen fatalities--a number likely under-reported--have occurred across the state from January through April, up from eight in 2004 and six in 2003, according to the Iowa City- based Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health.
"This is not a statistical sample and not a census of all farm and agricultural injuries, but is an interesting indicator of what's happening," said Murray Madsen, center investigator.
Madsen said he found 33 farm deaths reported in press clippings from daily, weekly and periodical publications across Missouri, Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska during this period. Missouri's 15 deaths were the most of the four states.
A contributing factor may be that Missouri has the second highest number of farms in the U.S., trailing only Texas, said Willard Downs, MU agricultural engineer.
"While no statistical significance can be drawn from these numbers, they do point to the need for increased safety concerns for farm operators and their families," said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri farm safety specialist.
Although the causes of deaths vary, the chief safety concern relates to proper tractor operation, she said. At least six of the 15 reported fatalities involved farm tractors.
Nationwide, one-third of all fatal farm accidents involve tractors.
"If your tractor does not have a reinforced cab or a roll-over protective structure (ROPS), have an ROPS installed," she said.
Installation costs may exceed $1,000 depending on the tractor model and age. While the cost of getting an ROPS installed may seem high, it's cheaper than lost work time, hospitalization or worse, Funkenbusch said.
A few safety procedures can make a big difference.
Always wear a seat belt. If you don't and the tractor overturns, you may fall out and be crushed.
Never allow extra riders on tractors.
Use a slow-moving vehicle emblem to the back of tractors and any implements that will be pulled on a road. About 13 percent of all tractor fatalities occur on public roads and highways. Inadequate marking and lighting of farm equipment is the predominant problem, especially at night.
Most drivers do not realize that farm equipment moves at speeds so slow that motorists are unable to slow down or stop in time to avoid a collision, she said.
Before operating a tractor, read the owner manual. It's also important to be well rested for safe tractor operation this spring, she said.
Other reported deaths involved drownings, grain bin suffocations, ATVs, falling trees and fires.
Date: 5/26/05
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