Work-related fatalities in the agricultural production and services sectors, 1980-1989

A total of 6,727 workers died of work-related injuries in the agricultural production and agricultural services sectors between 1980 and 1989, as established by data from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) National Traumatic Occupational Fatalities (NTOF) surveillance system. The agricultural production sector accounted for the higher fatality rate (22.9 deaths per 100,000 workers), due largely to deaths caused by machinery and motor vehicles. The leading cause of death in the agricultural services sector was being struck by falling objects, primarily trees. Fatality rates were highest in the East South Central United States and lowest in the New England states. Blacks had the highest fatality rate (26.4 deaths per 100,000 workers) while workers other than white or black had the lowest rate (18.9 per 100,000 workers). Males were at higher risk of death than females, with the 65 years of age and older male group having the highest rate (60.5 deaths per 100,000 workers). Males 16-24 years of age exhibited the largest decrease in their average annual fatality rate during the 10-year period, down to 7.2 from 20.6 deaths per 100,000 workers. Possible reasons for this decrease are suggested.