#56 Tractor-related deaths among west virginia farmers

Abstract

PURPOSE: The agriculture industry has a high number of occupational deaths and a significantly high death rate compared to other industrial sectors. From 1995 to 2000, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupation Injuries has shown that about 8% (550) of all annual work-related deaths (WRDs) were in agricultural production (farming). About one-third of these deaths were attributed to tractor incidents. Approximately three-quarters of these incidents involved rollover, overturn, or run over events. The purpose of this study was to describe tractor-related deaths among West Virginia farmers. METHODS: Data from the West Virginia Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation (FACE) Program was reviewed to identify specific cases from January 1997 through January 2002. RESULTS: During the 61-month period, West Virginia experienced 276 WRDs, of which 4% (11) were in farming occupations. Nine of the eleven deaths involved machine-related (tractor; E-code 919.0) incidents: rollover (7), overturn (1), and run over (1). Three of the victims were livestock farmers (SIC 0219), three were beef and cattle farmers (SIC 0212), two were dairy farmers (SIC 0241), and one was a crop farmer (SIC 0191). The average age at death was 56 with a range from 38 to 82. All victims were male. Of the 4 cases investigated, none of the tractors were equipped with roll over protective structures (ROPS) or seat belts. CONCLUSIONS: ROPS are the single best method of preventing tractor-related deaths, yet only about one-third of tractors on US farms are equipped with ROPS. The estimated cost (approximately $900) of retrofitting older tractors is a major factor impacting the increased use of ROPS.