Non-Fatal Work-Related Farm Injuries Occurring to Michigan Adults and Youths.

Abstract

Farming is one of the top industries in Michigan and has the highest fatality rate. National sources of non-fatal farm injuries underestimate the burden, especially among children. In this paper, we provide a more accurate estimate of non-fatal farm injuries in Michigan by using an ongoing multi-source surveillance system. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system includes abstractions of hospital-based medical records, poison control center calls, ambulance runs, and workers' compensation claims for individuals with a farm-related injury. For this analysis, injury onset occurred in 2015 to 2021 and included all injuries regardless of age or occupation. We identified 4,306 injuries in adults and 336 injuries in youth. For those 0-13 years of age all but two were family members. For those 14-15 and 16-17 years of age, 19% and 45%, respectively were hired hands. For adults, 51% were owner/operators, 43% were hired hands, and 5% were family members. For all ages, the most frequent injury source was cattle. Lacerations/cuts/punctures were the most common type of injury for those < 14 years of age while for older individuals it was contusions/bruises. The plurality of injuries occurred in the summer months. Children working on a farm are in unique situation and tracking injuries and identifying injury sources provide necessary information to protect their health and well-being. Michigan's farm-injury surveillance system will continue to provide a comprehensive count of work-related injuries among Michigan's farming population. The information is used to direct public health intervention both at the individual and population level.