Tractor-drawn mower occupational fatalities in production agriculture, 1992-1997

摘要

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were analyzed for patterns o[ occupational fatalities while using tractor-drawn mowers in production agriculture in the United States from 1992-1997. There were 126deaths: 32 percent from tractor overturns and 29 percent as a result of "fell from and struck by" events. The majority of workers fatally injured were sell-employed (98 deaths, 77 percent). Fatalities were concentrated in the South (67 deaths, 53 percent) and the Midwest (40 deaths. 32 percent). The crude fatality rate was 1.0 death per 100,000 workers (crop production 1.8 deaths per 100,000 workers, livestock production 0.4 deaths per 100,000 workers). Workers 65 years and older reported the most fatalities (62 deaths, 49 percent), for a rate of 3.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. This analysis shows that an average of 21 workers die each year from this single work activity. Prevention strategies should address Roll Over Protective Structures (ROPS), older workers, and hazard awareness.