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Farming is SD's most dangerous jobSIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP)--According to figures from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, farming is South Dakota's most dangerous occupation. The agency says about half of the 21 work-related fatalities in the state last year involved people in the agriculture, forestry and fishing and hunting category. Matt Diersen, an extension economist at South Dakota State University, said farmers handle lots of specialized equipment. Plus, many of them work long hours during the harvest season and get tired, making them more susceptible to accidents, Diersen said. "The machinery moves so quickly. It just can grab you," said Darrin Ihnen, a Hurley farmer. "You can never be safe enough." One of his workers got caught in a sweep auger two years ago. The worker made a full recovery, but Ihnen said the accident reinforced his practice to have workers team up when they are on a more dangerous job. He also said his workers carry cell phones and quit work earlier on really hot days. Construction is another leading category of work-related fatalities, accounting for 1,178 deaths last year in the nation. Six of those were in South Dakota. Within that sector, roofing was among the nation's top 10 most dangerous occupations. Kyle Eberts of Eberts Construction in Sioux Falls said roofers often work from great heights and use high-powered air guns. "It is tough and fast-moving work," he said. "There is always a potential to fall and hurt yourself." About 5,500 Americans died of work-related injuries last year, down 6 percent from 2006. Fishers, loggers and pilots and flight engineers are among the most dangerous jobs in the U.S. In South Dakota, work-related deaths fell more than 30 percent compared with 2006. 9/15/08 Date: 9/10/08 Advertisement
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