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Cow-Related Injuries in Wisconsin During 2017-2023.
Komi K S Modji1,2, Katherine McCoy1,2, Paul D Creswell1,2
1Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|July 23, 2025
Summary
Cow-related injuries are a significant and stable issue in the dairy industry, disproportionately affecting young and Hispanic workers. Promoting safety measures is crucial for preventing these injuries and ensuring farm productivity.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Safety and Health
- Occupational Medicine
- Injury Epidemiology
Background:
- The dairy industry is economically vital but poses significant hazards to workers.
- Existing literature on animal-related agricultural injuries is limited.
- This study addresses the gap by analyzing cow-related injuries and their circumstances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the incidence and characteristics of cow-related injuries in the agricultural sector.
- To examine the utilization of workers' compensation for these injuries.
- To identify factors contributing to cow-related injuries.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods analysis using hospital discharge and workers' compensation data from 2017-2023.
- Identification of cow-related injuries using ICD10-CM codes for individuals aged 12 and older.
- Extraction of injury narratives, industry, and occupation data from workers' compensation claims.
Main Results:
- Cow-related injuries constituted 13.1% of agricultural injuries, remaining stable while other injuries declined.
- Young (12-34 years) and Hispanic workers bore the highest burden of these injuries.
- Top affected body parts included extremities, head/face/neck, chest, and traumatic brain injury; animal handling and safety lapses were key factors.
Conclusions:
- A substantial number of cow-related injuries, some life-threatening, occur in the agricultural industry.
- Targeted safety interventions are needed for vulnerable worker groups.
- Continued promotion of safety best-practices is essential for worker well-being and farm productivity.
