Farm-related injury fatalities in Oklahoma, 1987-1991

Farm-related injury is often cited as a major factor in rural health care. This is an attempt to obtain an estimate of the frequency of serious farm injuries in Oklahoma. It is apparent that current available data bases are not adequate to be definitive, but mortality data is available, albeit incomplete. One hundred thirty-two deaths were recorded on death certificates for 1987 through 1991, with falls accounting for nearly half. The other data are summarized, and a review of the farm injury literature is presented. In summary, it is clear that farm injuries are a significant problem and steps to prevent them are required.