Occupational injuries among agricultural workers in rural Haryana, India

Abstract

This study reports the results of an epidemiological study of farm workers' injuries conducted over a period of one year in a rural population of 25,000. Of the 573 persons who sustained farm equipment related injuries 72 persons had injuries with severity of AIS 2 or greater. A majority of the latter injuries were due to tractors, fodder cutters and other powered equipment. Minor injuries were largely due to hand tools. Most farmers took treatment from local bone setters and healers. Cases of AIS ⩾ 2 were followed to observe their long term outcome. Results show that the sequelae of fractures, crush injuries and amputations among farmers are different from those of urban dwellers. The morbidity period of injuries which would normally have taken 3–4 weeks with professional orthopaedic management was 6–8 weeks and even 5–6 months in some cases. Injured farmers went to hospitals only after local treatment had not given relief. Details of factors associated with injury and treatment are presented along with possible countermeasures which are possible in the socioeconomic milieu in which these farmers work.