Agriculture injuries in Colorado: An analysis of workers' compensation claims

METHODS. This investigation involved the analysis of workers' compensation claims data for non-fatal injuries among agriculture workers in the State of Colorado. The agriculture occupations included in the study were dairy farm workers, cattle/livestock raisers, cattle dealers, grain millers, bean sorters/handlers, hay grain/feed dealers, and grain elevator operators. Injury claim incidence rates were calculated using policy payroll data. Distributions of injury sources, causes, types and locations were determined as well as their associated medical and indemnity costs.

RESULTS. A total of 3,093 workers' compensation claims from January 2000 to July 2004 were analyzed. Injury claim incidence rates were highest for cattle dealers, followed by dairy farm workers and cattle or livestock raisers. Among agri-business sectors, grain millers had the highest claim rate followed by hay grain/feed dealers, bean sorters/handlers and grain elevator operators.

Cattle dealers, cattle or livestock raisers, and dairy farmers had “animals” as the most frequent injury source. Bean sorters/handlers, and hay grain/feed dealers had “machinery” as the most frequent injury source. Grain millers and grain elevator operators had “tools” as the most frequent injury source. Contusions were the most frequent type of injury among cattle dealers, cattle or livestock raisers, and dairy farmers. The upper extremity was the most frequently injured body part among all sectors.

CONCLUSIONS. Colorado agriculture workers and agri-business workers have higher rates of injury claims. Understanding the occurrence of injuries among Colorado agriculture and agri-business workers is critical to implementing and evaluating effective intervention programs for specific agriculture-related occupations.