Farm accidents are unfortunately more common than many people realize. The National Institute of Science and Health (NIOSH) has conducted extensive studies on agricultural injuries and deaths since 1990. Their research reveals some alarming statistics. In the United States, approximately two million full-time workers are employed in agriculture, dedicating their time and efforts to the farming industry. Additionally, farms across the country hire around 1.5 million crop workers each year to assist with the crucial task of harvesting agricultural products.

What is even more concerning is that among these workers, there is a considerable number of young agricultural workers who are under the age of twenty. Tragically, many of these young workers suffer serious injuries due to negligent training and supervision. This emphasizes the importance of proper training and safety protocols in the Midwest states of farming activity to protect the well-being of all workers, regardless of their age.

• In 2021, workers in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry experienced one of the highest fatal injury rates at 20 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers, compared to a rate of 3.6 deaths per 100,000 workers for all U.S. industries.
• Transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns and roadway crashes, were the leading cause of death for these farmers and farm workers. Other leading causes were contact with objects and equipment, violence by other persons or animals, and falls, slips, trips. In 2022, over half (56%) of deaths in the AgFF industry occurred to workers 55 years of age and older.

At Bull Attorneys®, we are deeply committed to raising awareness about the prevalence of farm accidents and advocating for the rights of injured farmers and farmworkers. Our experienced team of attorneys understands the unique challenges faced by those in the farming industry and is dedicated to providing expert legal representation for victims of farm accidents. We believe that negligent training and safety failures should never jeopardize the well-being of workers or drivers who have accidents with farm vehicles and implements. We are prepared to fight for the compensation and justice they deserve.

The rate of fatalities and injuries among farmers and farmworkers is deeply concerning. According to the National Institute of Science and Health (NIOSH), the agricultural sector experiences a distressing rate of approximately 20.4 deaths for every 100,000 workers. These accidents can lead to devastating consequences, including severe injuries, amputations, paralysis, loss of life, and the need for legal assistance to seek compensation and justice.

In 2017, around 460 farmers and farmworkers tragically lost their lives due to farming injuries. The leading cause of death in farm accidents during that year was the overturning of tractors and farm implements without sufficient roll cages. It is essential to recognize that many of these deaths could have been prevented if appropriate rollover protective structures (ROPS) were in place. These safety measures, designed to protect farmers and farmworkers, are crucial to mitigating the risks associated with operating machinery.

NIOSH published an article discussing why this should never happen. In their publication entitled, "NIOSH Reports on the Preventability of Tractor Rollovers," farm expert, Donald Miller, calls farm and tractor rollovers an "occupational obscenity" because they should never happen today. The point is clear that rollover accidents on farms should no longer happen at all. When they do this means the farmer and the manufacturer of the equipment are acting wantonly with reckless or gross disregard for human life that may entitle the injured worker to punitive damages.

The higher risk of accidents is because many farmers are using older tractors that lack effective rollover systems and have high centers of gravity. These outdated machines pose a significant danger to the individuals operating them, increasing the likelihood of rollover accidents, and resulting injuries. It is imperative to address the issue of outdated equipment to ensure the safety of farmers and farmworkers in their daily tasks.