John M. Shutske

Injuries among children and youth in farm households: Regional rural injury study-I

Objectives—The purpose of this effort was to identify the incidence and consequences of both farming and non-farming related injuries and the potential risk factors for farming related injuries among children and youth, aged 0–19 years, who lived in farm households in a large region of the United States. Methods—Data were collected from randomly selected farm households during 1990. Rates and rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated for sociodemographic and exposure variables. Multivariate analyses were conducted, using a priori and backward stepwise logistic regression models. Results—Within the population of 3939 farm households and 13 144 persons, children and youth accounted for 33%. Injury rates for farming and non-farming sources, respectively, were 1683 and 6980 per 100 000 persons. Animals (40%) were the primary sources of the farming operation related injuries; sports/recreation sources (61%) were associated primarily with non-farming related injuries. Of the farming and non-farming operation related injury cases, 83% and 90%, respectively, required some type of health care; moreover, 17% and 24%, respectively, were restricted from regular activities for one month or more. Through multivariate analyses, important increased rate ratios were observed for operating a tractor, working with dairy cattle, and being male. Increased rate ratios for working with beef cattle, operating a harvester, and living on a farm where there were all terrain vehicles in use, and a decreased rate ratio for living on a farm where there were sheep, appeared suggestive. Conclusions—Based on the relevant rates, injury consequences, and potential risk factors identified, injuries to children and youth on farms represent a significant problem. Future analytic studies are essential to identify more specific risk factors that can serve as a basis for development of appropriate intervention efforts. Given the population at risk, and the opportunity for intervention in this unique occupational setting, many of these injuries may be readily amenable to prevention efforts.

Machinery-related injuries:: Regional Rural Injury Study—I (RRIS—I)

Although it is known that farm machinery is a source of serious and catastrophic farm work-related injuries, little is known about the magnitude of, and potential risk factors for, this problem. The study population is from the five-state Regional Rural Injury Study--I (RRIS--I) that included 3,939 farm households and 13,144 persons who were interviewed about their injury experience and farming operation-related exposures during 1990. Rates were calculated for sociodemographic variables and various exposures pertinent to large farm machinery (excluding tractors). Multivariate analyses were conducted using logistic regression, based on a model developed a priori and further confirmed using backward stepwise logistic regression. Among the total farming-related injury events (n = 764), 151 (20%) were related to large machinery use (1,127 injured persons per 100,000 persons per year). Through multivariate analyses, several variables were associated with elevated rate ratios that were important in both models: hours worked per week on the farm (40-59, 60-79, 80+); operation of an auger; field crops as the enterprise requiring the most time; and male gender. In addition, in the backward stepwise model, certain marital status categories (married; separated/widowed/divorced) were also associated with elevated rate ratios that were important. The majority of injury events occurred while persons were lifting, pushing, or pulling (21%), adjusting a machine (20%), or repairing a machine (17%). While only 5% of the cases were hospitalized, 79% required some type of health care. Among all injured persons, 34% were restricted from regular activities for 1 week or more and 19% were restricted for 1 month or more; 25% continued to have persistent problems. In summary, the RRIS-I permitted one of the most comprehensive studies of agricultural machinery-related injuries, to date. The findings indicate that these injuries represent a significant problem, based on the relevant rates, potential risk factors, and consequences from trauma.

A Population-Based Study of Tractor-Related Injuries: Regional Rural Injury Study-I (RRIS-I)

Although tractors account for the majority of fatal farming-related injuries, little is known about the magnitude of this problem. The study population in this article was obtained from the five state Regional Rural Injury Study-I (RRIS-I) database that included 3939 farm households and 13,144 persons interviewed during 1990. Rates were calculated for sociodemographic variables and various exposures; logistic regression was used to calculate the relative risks and respective confidence intervals. Among the total farming-related injury events (n = 764), 65 (8.4%) were related to regular tractor (> or = 20 horsepower) use (495 injured persons per 100,000 persons per year). The rates increased incrementally for those persons working between 20 to 39 and 60 to 79 hours per week (range, 529 to 1430 per 100,000 persons). Among the 12 rollover events, there were only three injuries. The majority of injury events occurred while persons were mounting or dismounting the tractor (42%). Although only 7% of the cases were hospitalized, 83% required some type of health care. Among all injured persons, 43% were restricted from regular activities for 1 week or more and 20% were restricted for 1 month or more; 28% continued to have persistent problems. The finding of the large proportion of events associated with activities of mounting and dismounting suggests a need to investigate specific design characteristics of the tractors associated with these events and, in general, the tractors to which the population is exposed.

Use of the North American guidelines for children's agricultural tasks with Hmong farm families

This literature review synthesizes available studies on Hmong agricultural practices, patterns of childhood growth and development of Hmong children in the context of injury prevention, and potential application or adaptation of the North American Guidelines for Childrens Agricultural Tasks (Lee and Marlenga, 1999) for Hmong children working in the U.S. Data from qualitative interviews, focus groups, case studies, and surveys were collected, categories were determined, and themes were identified. Field tools and practices, gender roles, and reasons for farming were examined, as well as physical and cognitive development of Hmong children and Hmong parenting techniques to describe factors related to farm task assignment of children. Current agricultural practices of Hmong in the U.S. can be described as generally small-scale operations that use mainly hand tools, manual labor, and local direct-marketing techniques. Specific practices include thinning, weeding, and hoeing; carrying tools, buckets, or baskets; setting plant supports; and watering. Hmong children appear to be given greater amounts of responsibility at earlier ages than North American children. Hmong parenting practices, as would be used in task assignment, are somewhat more authoritarian-based and lead to psychosocial skills that are more group-oriented than individual-oriented. Hmong children were found to be shorter than children in the U.S. of the same ages. This review suggests that the NAGCAT cannot be literally translated and disseminated to Hmong farming families as an injury prevention intervention. Further information is needed about what farm tasks Hmong children do and how Hmong parents assign those tasks to children.

TESTING AND CREATION OF A SAFETY SYSTEM TO DISENGAGE THE PTO OF A TRACTOR

Production agriculture consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous U.S. industries. As a result, significant research has been devoted to reducing the number of agricultural injuries and deaths. This study involved the design and testing of a safety sensor system using off-the-shelf security sensors to detect people in the power take-off (PTO) hazard area between a self-unloading forage wagon and a tractor. A total of 288 tests with four different sensor technologies explored the reliability of human presence security sensors for operator detection. Test data were statistically analyzed to determine how the sensor technology, approach angle, and mounting height affected the distance of a person from the hazard at the time of detection. After sensor tests were completed, a working prototype shut-off system was created to disengage the PTO of a tractor if a person entered the PTO hazard area, causing the PTO to stop rotating. The shut-off system also sounded an audible alarm and initiated flashing of a strobe light after detection, signaling that a person had entered into the PTO hazard area.

Orphan Boy the Farmer: Evaluating Folktales to Teach Safety to Hmong Farmers

ABSTRACT Many Hmong refugees continue their cultural tradition of farming in the United States. The purpose of this project was to evaluate culturally based storytelling as a method to convey farming safety information to Hmong families. Hmong have an oral tradition; spoken stories are used to teach about heritage, as well as personal and social values, and end with a lesson or moral that can apply to their lives. Stories from “Orphan Boy the Farmer” illustrate hazards, behaviors, consequences, and control strategies related to farm work typical of Hmong farming in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The message of the 3 stories is that the successful farmer works safely and keeps his children safe from injury. Three stories were read, in Hmong, at 6 events in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Data were collected from 118 participants using focus group discussions. Transcripts were translated and analyzed to identify ideas and reactions to the stories expressed by participants. Findings indicate that storytelling was an appealing delivery method for most of the participants of this study. Participants were able to recount story content pertaining to farming safety and relate messages to their experiences dealing with hazards; unanticipated findings uncovered barriers to adopting safe practices. Several aspects of the storytelling performance influence its effectiveness. Development of folktale content and implementation of storytelling performances are described.

Characteristics of children's agricultural tasks in Hmong farming communities

Abstract Hmong farm children perform different work tasks, have different roles and responsibilities, and are thus exposed to different hazards than most North American farm children. Hmong children perform tasks in four time-related phases: pre-harvest, harvest, post-harvest, and product marketing. Standard health and safety educational materials, including the North American Guidelines for Childrens Agricultural Tasks, are not widely accepted by Minnesota Hmong farmers. This qualitative work is a precursor to the creation of culturally and contextually appropriate materials and guidelines to address the health and safety needs of Hmong children working on their familys production acreage. Methods used include literature review, focus groups, semistructured interviews, and field observations.

The Impact of Biotechnology on Agricultural Worker Safety and Health

Biotechnology applications such as the use and production of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been widely promoted, adopted, and employed by agricultural producers throughout the world. Yet, little research exists that examines the implications of agricultural biotechnology on the health and safety of workers involved in agricultural production and processing. Regulatory frameworks do exist to examine key issues related to food safety and environmental protection in GMO applications. However, based on the lack of research and regulatory oversight, it would appear that the potential impact on the safety and health of workers is of limited interest. This article examines some of the known worker health and safety implications related to the use and production of GMOs using the host, agent, and environment framework. The characteristics of employers, workers, inputs, production practices, and socio-economic environments in which future agricultural workers perform various tasks is likely to change based on the research summarized here.

Children's behavioral traits and risk of injury: analyses from a case-control study of agricultural households

PROBLEM Children on family agricultural operations have high risk of injury. The association between childrens behavioral traits and their risk of injury is not well understood. METHOD Data from the Regional Rural Injury Study-II were used to assess behavioral risk factors for injury to children ages six to <20 years. A total of 379 injury events (cases) and 1,562 randomly selected controls were identified. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI), calculated using logistic regression, were used to estimate injury risk in reference to behavioral traits. RESULTS Injury risks were greater for children with high levels of depressive symptoms (OR=1.9, CI=1.0-3.7) and aggression (OR=1.6, CI=0.9-2.7), and low levels of careful/cautious behavior (OR=1.8, CI=1.1-2.9). Children with low levels of self-regulation had reduced risks (OR=0.4, CI=0.2-0.8). DISCUSSION Results suggest that childrens behaviors affect their risk of agricultural injury. Additional research could elucidate mechanisms and inform interventions. IMPACT ON INDUSTRY The development of multifaceted, sustainable approaches for prevention is necessary for this unique population. These findings suggest a need for interventions that incorporate specific behavior-related risk factors in the context of family farms and ranches.

Needs Assessment of Employers in Swine Production Facilities Regarding Employee Health and Safety

The pork production industry has increasing numbers of large producers using cost saving technologies which have the potential to pose health and safety hazards for employees working in these environments. The purpose of this study was to examine the needs of hog production employers related to providing a safe and healthy environment for employees, complying with federal and state health and safety regulations, and sources of outside assistance which are most helpful to these employers. A mailed survey assessing variables associated with demographics of producers, injury and illness experience, and strategies used in the prevention of injuries and illness, was sent to subscribers of National Hog Farmer magazine. In all operations and those with 10 or more employees, producers were most concerned about employees experiencing back/neck injury and slips or falls. Moving and handling animals was the most frequently reported task associated with injury or illness. Veterinarians and pork industry magazines were reported as the most useful sources of employee health and safety information for all producers. Producers report a need for training materials on first aid, animal handling and care techniques, air quality monitoring, and lung function testing for employees. Employee health and safety protection is part of doing business. This study provides important information for individuals and institutions promoting employee health and safety in the pork production industry.