What Are the Most Common Farming and Agricultural Injuries?
Agricultural work can result in a wide range of injuries, many of which are life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Injuries: Amputations, broken bones, and crush injuries causing internal damage can be caused by accidents involving heavy equipment or machinery.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries: Spinal cord injuries and severe back injuries are among the most life-changing farming injuries and can come about due to intense, ongoing repetitive motions or equipment failures.
- Head Injuries: A serious or fatal head injury can be the result of falls, falling objects, or machinery malfunctions.
- Chemical Exposure: Pesticides, herbicides, and other toxic chemicals used in agriculture can lead to severe physical damage over time.
- Hearing Loss: Workers exposed to loud machinery without protection can suffer permanent hearing loss.
- Respiratory Conditions: These severe illnesses and conditions include Farmer’s Lung disease and other respiratory illnesses.
- Heat-Related Illnesses: Farm workers can suffer heatstroke, dehydration, or lose their lives while working in Mississippi’s hot, humid climate.
These injuries can be devastating, often requiring extensive medical treatment and significant time away from work.