What Are Common Types of Farming Injuries?

Farming accidents and injuries are extremely common—according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, approximately 100 agricultural workers are injured every single day.

These injuries are not always fatal; farming conditions and environments lead to a wide variety of injuries, some short-term and some long-term. Keep reading to learn about several types of injuries common for those working in the agricultural industry.

What are some Types of Farming Injuries?

Farming injuries can be caused by environmental factors, agricultural equipment, or even chemicals.

Repetitive Motion Injuries

Repeated motions are required for many farm tasks. After years of heavy lifting, crouching, or other repetitive motions, muscle strain is common. The National Agricultural Workers Survey reported that 11% of agricultural workers experienced muscle strain during their first year of work, with that number rising to 19% after a decade.

Musculoskeletal pain—usually the only discernable symptom of muscle strain—is associated with different agricultural tasks. For example, hand and wrist strain can be caused by pruning and horticultural work. Similarly, osteoarthritis is common among farmers who drive tractors.

Skin Conditions

Farm workers can easily be burned by chemicals, hot machinery, or sun exposure. Additionally, outdoor working conditions bring farmers into contact with insects and animals, raising their risk of being stung or bitten.

Eye and Ear Injuries

Due to working in the sun, dust, and wind, eye injuries are common among agricultural workers. Short-term conditions include eye irritation and sensitivity, while long-term conditions such as cataracts and retinal damage are also possible.

When working with loud machinery, hearing loss and noise-induced ear injuries are common.

Temperature Extremes

Farmers are exposed to temperature extremes when working outside with crops or animals, maintaining land, or operating machinery. When exposed to extreme heat, they could face heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Cold weather conditions can lead to frostbite or even hypothermia.

Chemical Exposure

Chemicals—such as herbicides and pesticides—are often used in farming to control unwanted plants or kill pests. However, exposure to these chemicals through inhalation, ingestion, or physical contact can cause dangerous health effects. Chemical exposure has been linked to increased risks of cancer, tumors, respiratory issues, and birth defects.

Other Injuries

Other farming accident injuries include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Electrocution
• Broken bones and lacerations
• Spinal cord or traumatic brain injuries
• Stress-based mental health disorders
• Respiratory disease and cancers

What should you do after a Farming Injury?

It is important to act quickly after a farming injury. In general, follow these steps:

• Seek medical care
• Report the injury to your employer
• Take photographs and preserve evidence
• Consult an attorney

Contact a Farming Accident Attorney Today

If you have been injured as a result of a farming accident, you are urged to contact the Indianapolis Farming Accident Attorneys of Wilson Kehoe Winingham. The lawyers at WKW can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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