From 1971 to 1981, a study to characterize Georgia deaths
associated with farm-tractor accidents was undertaken as a basis
for
developing preventive recommendations. For each death certificate
listing a farm-tractor accident as the cause or contributing cause
of
death, information was abstracted concerning the characteristics of
the victim and the accident.
Two hundred two tractor-associated fatalities occurred in
Georgia
during the study period; 198 (98%) of the victims were male; 166
(82%)
were white, and 30 (15%) were black. Accidents occurred during all
months--but predominantly in March, April, July, and August--and
throughout the day, with a peak between 4 and 5 p.m. All deaths
involved persons living in rural areas. Accidents occurred in 103
of
Georgia's 159 counties, but were concentrated in the mountainous
and
hilly northern counties (Figure 1). Most accidents happened on
farms;
18 occurred on roads.
The majority of deaths occurred among older men. Data from the
U.S. Census and the Department of Agriculture permitted estimation
of
fatality rates for Georgia males. Based on figures for the
subpopulation of male farm residents, the crude annual fatality
rate
was 23.6/100,000 (Table 1). Farming was listed as the primary
occupation for 82 persons; other listings included construction,
manufacturing, common laborer, military, sales, mechanic, student,
and
retired.
A variety of events resulted in fatal injury: 153 persons
(76%)
were fatally injured when the tractors overturned; 28 were run
over;
and six drowned when their tractors fell into a stream or lake.
Eighty-three percent of fatalities were attributed to crushing
chest
injury; other causes of death were external hemorrhage,
strangulation
or asphyxia, and drowning.
Reported by JD Smith, DL Rogers, RK Sikes, DVM, State
Epidemiologist,
Georgia Dept of Human Resources; Div of Field Svcs, Epidemiology
Program Office, CDC.
Editorial Note
Editorial Note: This study suggests that farm-tractor associated
deaths are more likely to occur during the planting and harvesting
seasons and during late afternoon hours, that accidents are more
prevalent in north Georgia, and that older males are the most
common
victims. Although the total number of persons using tractors on
farms
is unknown, the higher incidence in north Georgia may result from
an
increased likelihood of tractors overturning on hilly terrain, and
the
higher fatality rates among older men may be due to physiologic
impairment or other age-related factors. A preliminary review of
16
fatal farm-tractor accidents in 1982 indicates that most accidents
involved tractors over 10 years old with small horsepower (20-40
hp)
that were not equipped with roll-over protection structures.
The large proportion of fatalities associated with rollovers
implies the need for improved measures to protect the users when
tractors overturn. Such measures are commercially available and
include different types of roll bars or protective cabs; however,
current safety standards require the use of roll-over protection
structures only in limited circumstances and do not apply to farm
owners or their families. The increased risk of fatality among
older
men may indicate that educational efforts can be directed at
specific
groups. Deaths represent the most extreme consequence of tractor
accidents, and a much greater number of serious and disabling
injuries
probably occur. Improved use of protective measures should prevent
both morbidity and mortality due to farm accidents.
Disclaimer
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