Farming is big business in our part of the country. Illinois’ agricultural industry is described as “…the number one industry in Illinois in terms of economic impact…” with Illinois’ farms using 75% of Illinois land. Indiana is the 8th largest agricultural exporter in the United States, and ranks as the 10th largest farming state in the nation, according to the Indiana Department of Agriculture (“IDOA”).
For instance, the IDOA estimates there are 4,200,000 hogs in Indiana and that Hoosier farmers plant over 950,000 acres of cover crops annually. Illinois is known as a leading producer for soybeans, corn, and swine along with operations dedicated to niche crops like fish and Christmas trees.
Many families in Indiana and Illinois participate in local farming operations, and many of these jobs are on smaller farms. Sadly, these workers go to work each day facing an unacceptably high risk of permanent bodily injury or death.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more workers perish from bodily injuries sustained on the job in the agricultural industry than any other business enterprise in this country. The BLS defines this industry as including farming, forestry, fishing and hunting sectors where workers are tasked with “…growing crops, logging, and raising or harvesting animals from a farm, ranch, or their natural habitats.”
The dangers facing those working in agricultural pursuits have not lessened in recent years. Over a decade ago, in 2008, the National Safety Council (NSC) reported agricultural work with a fatal injury rate 8.5 times greater than all other occupations combined (28.7 vs 3.4 per 100,000 workers).
Deadly Farming Dangers Facing Workers in Indiana and Illinois
Why is farming so deadly? Farming accidents in Indiana and Illinois cannot be easily categorized because farm workers can be severely injured or killed in a wide variety of incidents. These include:
Electrical Burns or Electrocution
Many agricultural concerns, such as dairy farms, use electrical equipment throughout their operations. While Article 547 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) establishes the safety standards for electrical agricultural equipment and buildings, there remains the risk of a serious electrical burn or a fatal electrocution for farm employees.
For more on the risks of electricity and electrocution, read:
- Accidents Involving Electric Shock and Exposure to Electricity
- Electricity Injuries: Fatal Electrocution Accidents
- Electrocution: Electricity Kills People In All Kinds of Electrical Accidents; Be Careful of Electrocution Dangers.
Dangerous Machinery Accidents
Agricultural concerns at all levels operate through the use of heavy machinery or complicated tools that can fail in some way, causing serious harm to the worker. These include things like:
- Augers
- Balers
- Combines
- Loaders
- Mowers
- Pickers
- Tractors.
For more on the risk of injury or harm in work machinery accidents, read:
- Industrial Machine Accidents: Deadly Dangers Facing Machinists, Mechanics, Maintenance, and Millwrights in Indiana and Illinois
- The High Risk of a Deadly Confined Space Accident on the Job.
Falls
Those working in farming operations may need to work at a height that can result in a serious or fatal fall. Falls on farms can involve:
- Falling while dealing with livestock (e.g., horseback)
- Falling from windmills or silos
- Falling off of ladders or roofs
- Falling off of machinery
- Falling from truck beds.
For more on fall accidents on the job, read:
- Fatal Falls on the Job and the Employers Failure to Protect Worker From Fall Risk
- Ladder Accidents: The Very Real Danger of Death from Falling off a Ladder on the Job
- Fatal Rooftop Falls: Record-Breaking Number of Deadly Falls from Roof.
Large Livestock
Agricultural concerns in Indiana and Illinois task workers with duties that entail working with cows, bulls, horses, sheep, and other large animals whose behavior can be unpredictable. Cattle can charge. Goats and horses can kick.
Animal handling injuries can result in serious bodily damage caused by things like:
- Biting
- Kicking
- Goring
- Trampling
- Falling On
- Stepping On
- Knocking Down
- Crushing
- Penning
- Scratching
- Throwing
- Bucking Off
- Ramming.
This is National Farm Safety and Health Week
Each year since 1944, a public safety campaign, National Farm Safety and Health Week, has been observed during the third week of September. Today, it is overseen by the agricultural partner of Illinois’ National Safety Council, the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS).
From the 2021 White House Proclamation on National Farm Safety and Health Week comes the following (emphasis added):
…Beyond the unique challenges posed by the pandemic, the agriculture sector has always been both physically and mentally demanding, and it remains one of the most dangerous industries in America.
Despite these challenges, our dedicated farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers have continued to work around the clock, putting their lives and the lives of their loved ones on the line to ensure that families across the country have food on the table. Their sacrifices are commendable, but they should not have to risk injury, illness, or death to do their jobs.
Our Nation has a duty to protect agricultural workers and promote safety education for farmers and farm families. We must continue to reduce the risks of accidents, injuries, and fatalities — including those on rural roadways involving tractors and other machinery — as well as the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to fertilizers and chemical agents.
Seeking Justice for Farming Accident Victims in Indiana or Illinois
Farming operations in Indiana and Illinois are vital to our local state economies, and a great many people depend upon our agricultural industry to earn a living and provide for their families. Sadly, the dangers associated with farming operations have not changed in over a decade.
Moreover, another concern for farm workers in Indiana and Illinois is that many of our local farm workers are employed at small farms that are not subject to federal oversight and investigation in the event of a serious or deadly accident. These workers and their loved ones must depend upon state law remedies in the event of a serious farm accident. For more, read: Farming Accidents in Indiana and Illinois: Small Farm Fatality Dangers.
If you or a loved one have been injured while working on a farming operation in Indiana or Illinois, then you may have personal injury or workers’ compensation claims to help in your pursuit of justice. We support this week’s awareness campaign regarding the risks facing our local farmers and agricultural workers. Please be careful out there!
