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Noting increase in farming fatalities, group urges workers to use safety programs, precautionsWith the growing season in full swing and the recent release of fatal work injury statistics showing an upward spiral in the farming industry, the American Society of Safety Engineers encourages safety, health and environmental professionals to become active in assisting agricultural producers and businesses in their area to take steps to prevent deadly agricultural injuries and illnesses. To assist in this effort, ASSE is providing work safety tips to help prevent the growing number of tragic agricultural industry worker injuries and illnesses. ASSE also suggests safety tips aimed at protecting young farmers, who face a greater risk of being injured Workplace fatalities in the farming industry rose by 11 percent in 2008 to a total of 651 deaths in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industries in the U.S., according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The increase was led by worker deaths in crop production, which rose 18 percent in 2008. Most farm-related traumatic injuries are caused by machinery, with tractor accidents next--accounting for a high rate of fatalities. According to the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, from 1992 to 2007 more than 8,000 farm workers died from work-related injuries in the U.S., with tractor overturn deaths accounting for an average of 96 deaths annually. In addition, about 243 agricultural workers suffer lost-work-time injuries every day, and about five percent of these injuries result in permanent impairment. Agriculture is also one of the most dangerous industries for young workers and it is one of the few industries where families are at risk of fatalities or injuries as they often share the work and live on the farm. As most farms do not fall under the auspices of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration rules and regulations, ASSE urges farmers to train all workers including young farmers well in all aspects of farming, including safety. Children are at special risk from farm-related accidents. Most of the 100¬ plus deaths among children on farms result from being innocent bystanders or passengers on farm equipment. Surveys indicate that many farm children are working in dangerous environments by the age of 10. Young farmers can enroll in a local farm safety camp, often sponsored by the local County Extension Service, a university, or Farm Bureau, which helps them recognize and learn how to address on-the-job hazards ASSE established a new Agricultural Branch as part of the ASSE Environmental Practice Specialty, to provide a forum for safety, health and environmental professionals in the agricultural industry aimed at discussing risks and addressing solutions in this industry It will provide a venue to network and gain knowledge regarding best practices in safety and health issues affecting agricultural production operations of all sizes; including seed production, agricultural chemicals, transportation, equipment safety, compliance and enforcement. "Valuing safety, regardless of the weather, time schedule, commodity markets or economy is an important message to communicate to agricultural workers," said ASSE Director of Member/Region Affairs and agricultural safety specialist Terry Wilkinson, PhD, CSP, CAE. "Agricultural producers, most without a safety, health and environmental professional on their workforce, are encouraged to seek out safety professionals in their area for assistance. "Too many farm family members and hired workers are getting hurt and dying on farms," added Wilkinson. "Following simple farm safety tips to protect farm family members and children as well as hired workers on farms can prevent many farm-related injuries and illnesses, and enhance safety. A combined effort by the safety professionals and agricultural community can lead the industry into a new direction to prevent future traumatic injuries and illnesses."
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