Childhood farm injuries in Old-Order Amish families

Unintentional injuries are the leading cause of death and disabilities in the United States among children, with the incidence even greater among children who live on a farm. Information exists about farming accidents on mainstream U.S. farms; however, little is known about the Amish farms. The purpose of this study was to investigate injuries among Old-Order Amish in Pennsylvania. Teachers in Amish schools were surveyed about their experiences with accidents/injuries among children on the farm. Seventy percent of the teachers reported a childhood farm injury in their family, with the majority attributing this to farm animals. Injuries may be preventable if age-appropriate tasks are assigned to children and they are properly supervised.