Nonfatal injury rates of Utah agricultural producers.

The research focuses on a study aimed at identifying the source and frequency of agriculturally-related nonfatal injuries among farmers and ranchers in Utah. A higher rate of injuries that required medical intervention was noted compared to previous studies.

Objective of the Study

• The research aimed at identifying the frequency and sources of agricultural injuries in Utah, in order to determine an injury rate for common agricultural activities.
• This study differed from previous ones in that it collected data directly from the affected individuals – the farmers and ranchers, rather than relying on records such as emergency room logs.
• It encompassed all modalities of treatment, from self-treatment at home to professional medical intervention.

Methodology of the Study

• A questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of Utah Farm Bureau members, as a way of data collection.
• The questions aimed to evaluate the number of injuries that occurred over the past three years, the method of treatment applied for recent injuries, and the amount of time spent engaging in hazardous activities.

Findings of the Study

• The research found that the injury rate that required medical treatment, reflected as 19.9%, was higher than what was reported in previous studies conducted on the state or national level.
• It was noted that approximately half, 48.7%, of the reported injuries were treated at home or by a family member, which would not have been reflected in hospital logs.
• Working with horses was identified as the single most dangerous activity for agriculturalists in Utah in terms of injuries per unit time of exposure.
• Servicing agricultural machinery was the second most dangerous activity according to the findings.