Hired crop worker injuries on farms in the United States: A comparison of two survey periods from the National Agricultural Workers Survey.

BACKGROUND

Hired crop workers in the United States are at high risk of occupational injury. Targeted surveillance is important for effective occupational safety efforts.

METHODS

The National Agricultural Workers Survey was utilized to collect injury data during the years 1999, 2002-2004 (period I) and 2008-2010 (period II).

RESULTS

The overall injury rate declined between the two periods from 4.3 to 2.9/100 per full-time week-based equivalents (FTEWB ). Injury rates remained high during both periods for those with greater than 20 years farm experience (3.6 and 3.8/100 FTEWB ) and pesticide handling work (4.9 and 5.0/100 FTEWB ). Overexertion, contact with objects and equipment, and falls from height were common during both periods. Older workers comprised a greater proportion of injury cases in period II.

CONCLUSION

Overexertion that leads to sprains/strains, dangerous ladder use, and pesticide use should be targeted as important risk exposures on the farm.