The purpose of this study was to conduct the first comprehensive analysis of child and adult injury deaths on Florida farms for years 1989-1998. Death certificate data supplied by the State of Florida Bureau of Emergency Medical Services and the Florida Office of Vital Statistics were used to supply the majority of injury information for this initial surveillance effort. Results showed that there were 20 injury deaths on Florida farms among children, ages 0-17 and 211 injury deaths among adults, ages 18 and older, during this ten-year period. Most child deaths (85%) were unintentional. Leading causes of child deaths were equipment (N=5) and involvement with horses (N=4). Similar to the child deaths, most adult deaths were unintentional (83.4%). The leading cause of these deaths was machinery (48%), largely due to tractors overturning and being pinned underneath or being run over. Adult males were significantly more likely to die of unintentional injury deaths than adult females (p=.001). Decedents between the ages of 60-89 were significantly more likely to die from an injury that directly involved a tractor than other age groups (p<.0005). The results of this study will lead to the development of targeted interventions and educational programs for children and adults. Future surveillance efforts include the collection of multiple data sources that will allow for the analysis of both injuries and injury deaths on Florida farms.
Learning Objectives: Identify the leading causes of injury death on Florida farms for years 1989-1998. Discuss how the results of this analysis can be used to develop intervention and outreach programs for the agricultural community
Keywords: Agricultural Work Safety, Injuries
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.