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Farm Machinery Injuries: A Retrospective Analysis of Admissions at a Level I Trauma Center in North Dakota

Applied Research

Angie Johnson
NDSU Extension Farm & Ranch Safety Coordinator
North Dakota State University
Fargo

Abstract

Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries worldwide. However, agricultural injury (AI) rates are underrepresented due to a lack of a national reporting system. Few studies exist that examine the incidence and magnitude of injuries sustained from a variety of farm machinery, including augers, balers, and combines. The purpose of this study was to characterize the incidence, injury characteristics and outcomes of patients presented to a Level I adult trauma center in Fargo, North Dakota with farm machinery injuries (FMIs). We identified the types of machinery that are most commonly associated with FMI and described the nature of these injuries by severity, site, type, age, sex, and length of hospital stay. A retrospective review of the trauma registry of Sanford Medical Center Fargo (SMCF) was performed between January 2010 and December 2020. FMI were identified through ICD-9 & ICD-10 codes and analysis of injury descriptions entered into a free text field unique to the SMCF registry. We identified 106 patients with FMI, and manually categorized each injury by the type of machinery associated with the injury. Injuries related to falls, including falling on or into machinery, all-terrain vehicles, or animal handling were excluded. The age range for FMI patients was 10 to 86 years with a mean of 48 years and a median of 51.5 years. Males experience 91.2% of tractor injuries and individuals 65 and over account for 53% of all tractor injuries (n=18). Tractor injuries were the cause of five of the six FMI deaths. Males accounted for all deaths. Additionally, 24.5% of FMI are related to machine maintenance. Auger injuries are the second most common FMI and combine injuries (n=2) and PTO injuries (n=4) were less common. Between 2018 and 2020, the number of tractor and auger injuries doubled. Our findings indicate FMI injuries represent a significant problem in the upper Midwest. Although tractor rollovers are preventable and most rollover fatalities could be avoided, we identified tractors as the most common cause of injury and death, especially for older male farm workers. These results underscore the need for further investigation into aging-related farm safety issues.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: Angie Johnson, Elizabeth Gilblom, Hilla Sang, Sheryl Sahr, Zachary Staskywicz
  1. Johnson, A. NDSU Extension Farm & Ranch Safety Coordinator, North Dakota State University, North Dakota, 58108-6050
  2. Gilblom, E. Assistant Professor, Educational and Organizational Leadership, College of Human Sciences and Education, North Dakota State University, North Dakota, 58108-6050
  3. Sang, H. Research Design and Biostatistics Core, Sanford Research, North Dakota, 58108
  4. Sahr, S. MD, Trauma Services, Sanford Medical Center Fargo, North Dakota, 58108
  5. Staskywicz, Z. MD, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, North Dakota, 58202