Rohan Jadhav1, Chandran Achutan2, Gleb Haynatzki3, Shireen Rajaram4, Risto Rautiainen2. 1. Department of Public Health, California State University Fresno, Fresno, California. 2. Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. 3. Department of Biostatistics, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska. 4. Department of Health Promotion and Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: This study focused on risk factors for serious injuries in farm and ranch operators in the central United States. METHODS: The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, sent mail surveys to 6953, 6912, and 6912 farms/ranches in 2011-2013, respectively, covering seven Midwestern states. RESULTS: The average survey response rate was 35%. The average annual incidence rate (injuries/100 workers) was 6.91 for all injuries and 2.40 for serious injuries. Univariate analyses determined several demographic and farm production-related risk factors for serious injury. Adjusted analysis showed a greater risk of serious injury for operators of age 45-54 years (vs. 65 and higher), those who worked 75-99% of their time (vs. less time), and those who operated larger land areas (vs. smaller). CONCLUSION: The identified risk factors should be considered when targeting injury prevention programs.
BACKGROUND: This study focused on risk factors for serious injuries in farm and ranch operators in the central United States. METHODS: The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, sent mail surveys to 6953, 6912, and 6912 farms/ranches in 2011-2013, respectively, covering seven Midwestern states. RESULTS: The average survey response rate was 35%. The average annual incidence rate (injuries/100 workers) was 6.91 for all injuries and 2.40 for serious injuries. Univariate analyses determined several demographic and farm production-related risk factors for serious injury. Adjusted analysis showed a greater risk of serious injury for operators of age 45-54 years (vs. 65 and higher), those who worked 75-99% of their time (vs. less time), and those who operated larger land areas (vs. smaller). CONCLUSION: The identified risk factors should be considered when targeting injury prevention programs.