Farming is essential work that puts food on our tables, but it also comes with unique risks. Agricultural workers face higher rates of injuries and illnesses compared to many other industries. Understanding these risks—and the steps being taken to reduce them—helps protect the people who work the land.

The Reality of Farm Work

Agricultural work is physically demanding and often involves heavy machinery, unpredictable weather, long hours, and exposure to chemicals. These factors contribute to a higher risk of on-the-job injuries and fatalities.

Injury Facts

Between 2021 and 2022, over 21,000 agricultural workers suffered injuries serious enough to require time away from work.
Falls accounted for nearly one-third of these injuries.
In 2014 alone, an estimated 4,000 young people under age 20 were injured while working on farms.

Note: Many agricultural injuries go unreported, so the actual numbers are likely higher.

Fatality Facts

In 2022, the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting sector had one of the highest workplace death rates in the country: 18.6 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers—five times the national average across all industries.
Transportation incidents, such as tractor rollovers or vehicle accidents, were the leading cause of death.
Other common causes included encounters with animals, contact with machinery, and workplace violence.
More than half of these fatalities involved workers aged 55 and older.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Several groups face heightened vulnerability in agricultural settings:

Older Farmers

The average age of U.S. farm producers is now over 58 years. As workers age, they may face slower reaction times, reduced strength, or chronic health conditions that increase injury risk.

Young Workers

Nearly 900,000 youth under age 20 lived on farms in recent surveys, and about half of them performed farm work. An estimated 266,000 young people were hired to work on U.S. farms. Children and teens may lack experience, training, or physical development needed to handle certain tasks safely.

All Agricultural Workers

With approximately 2.3 million people employed in agriculture and related fields, anyone working in this sector—whether on a small family farm or a large commercial operation—can encounter hazards like:
- Heavy equipment and machinery
- Exposure to pesticides and chemicals
- Repetitive motions leading to muscle strain
- Extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- Stress and mental health challenges

What's Being Done to Improve Safety?

Recognizing these risks, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) launched the Agricultural Safety and Health Program in 1990. This program focuses on research, education, and prevention to protect farm workers and their families.

Key Initiatives

Research Centers: NIOSH supports 12 specialized Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health across the country. These centers study critical issues like machinery safety, pesticide exposure, respiratory health, and mental wellness.
Data Collection: Ongoing surveys track injury patterns, helping experts identify emerging risks and measure the impact of safety interventions.
Targeted Prevention: Programs address the needs of underserved groups, including minority farm operators and youth workers, ensuring safety resources reach those who need them most.
Fatality Investigations: Through the FACE (Fatality Assessment and Control Evaluation) program, NIOSH investigates workplace deaths to recommend practical prevention strategies.

Practical Safety Tips for Farm Workers and Families

While systemic changes take time, individuals can take immediate steps to stay safer on the farm:

Wear seatbelts and use rollover protection on tractors and other heavy equipment.
Get proper training before operating machinery or handling chemicals.
Use personal protective equipment, including gloves, masks, and eye protection when needed.
Take regular breaks to avoid fatigue, especially during long harvest seasons.
Keep children away from work zones and never let them operate equipment beyond their capability.
Talk openly about mental health—farming can be stressful, and support is available.

Resources for More Information

If you're looking for additional guidance or data on agricultural safety, trusted sources include:
- NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Program
- Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health
- NIOSH FACE Reports on workplace fatality investigations
- Occupational injury surveillance data from national agricultural surveys

Our Commitment

At Crestwood General, we believe that clear, accessible health information empowers everyone—from farm families to community members—to make safer choices. By raising awareness about agricultural risks and solutions, we honor the hard work of those who sustain our food supply.

Content provided by Crestwood General. For educational purposes only.