During 1998-2000, a study of injury in 2,220 children of migrant and seasonal farmworkers was conducted from a sample in 12 states. Children were eligible for the study if their parent(s) were approved for job training and emergency services under the Job Training and Partnership Act, were 18 years of age or younger, and had accompanied their parents to work or worked independently in agricultural work during the past year. One child was selected randomly from each family and information from a personal interview of a parent was collected on risk factors for traumatic injuries, muscle and joint pain, and pesticide-related illness that occurred during the 12 months prior to interview.
Among 27 reported traumatic injuries, 9 were not serious, 14 were moderately serious, and 4 were serious (severity was not reported in 1 case). Twelve were caused by a fall, 3 by cut by a knife, 3 by possible pesticide exposure, 3 by being hit by a tractor or forklift, and 6 by other causes. No deaths were reported.
The overall traumatic injury rate was .012 (27/2,220). The injury rate was .007 (5/693) for ages<5, .012 (6/501) for ages 6-10, .015 (8/537) for ages 10-15, and .016 (8/489) for ages 15-18. Injury rates were increased in children who were larger or smaller than average size, in children who worked independently of their parents, in those who worked over 30 weeks and over 20 hours per week, and in those who did not go to school.
Learning Objectives: At the conculsion of this session, participants will be able to discuss some of the reasons for traumatic injuries among children of migrant farmworkers.
Keywords: Agricultural Work Safety, Children
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.