How Common Are Farming Accidents and Injuries?

Agriculture—the farming of crops or animals—is one of the largest industries in the world. Globally, it employs an estimated 1.3 billion workers, and in the United States in 2017, it employed more than 2 million full-time workers.

Unfortunately, farming is also one of the deadliest and most hazardous professions in the world. Internationally and nationally, agriculture ranks alongside construction and mining as the most dangerous industry.

What are some Farming Accident Statistics?

The National Agricultural Safety Database collects data about the United States agricultural industry, and the International Labour Organization performs similar research across multiple industries worldwide. Recent statistics concerning farming accidents include the following:

• Globally, at least 170,000 agriculture workers are fatally injured every year
• Nationally, 60 to 70 per 100,000 farmers are killed annually
• Nonfatal injuries occur to about 33% of the farm population in the United States, with 3% of the accidents resulting in a permanent disability

Total Farming Accident Fatalities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, fatal accident data in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry in the United States is as follows:

• 2016: 593 deaths
• 2015: 570 deaths
• 2014: 584 deaths
• 2013: 500 deaths
• 2012: 509 deaths

What are some Dangers of the Farming Industry?

Fatal and nonfatal farming injuries, which occur most often during summer harvesting months (June, July, and August), can be caused by several different factors. Common causes of farming accidents include defective farming equipment, missing product labels or equipment warnings, farm structure or equipment fails, and improper training.

Most agriculture work is physically demanding, raising the risk of accidents. Additionally, farming is one of the few lines of work where living and employment conditions are mixed; in addition to agriculture workers, family members living on the farm are at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Fortunately, most farming accidents can be prevented. Check out our blog that provides tips to help prevent a farming accident.

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 with the next steps in pursuing a farming accident case. Call 317.920.6400 or fill out an online contact form for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.

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