National Center for Farmworker Health
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Environmental / Occupational Safety and Health

Author: Larson, Alice C.
Date Published: 2001


Many injuries and illness associated with employment in agriculture have been documented through the years. Those employed in this occupation are at much greater risk of death than workers in every industry except construction. Agricultural crop and livestock production, combined with agricultural services, accounted for 13% of all occupational deaths from 1994-99, while only covering 2% of overall employment. Risks occur through work-related conditions, use of equipment and chemical exposure. The results can be seen in illness-related acute and chronic conditions, in severe disabilities, and in fatalities. Workers, their families, and particularly their children can be affected both at the work site and from contamination brought home. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) convened a panel of experts in 1995 to set occupational health priorities for agricultural workers. The following areas emerged as concerns: Ergonomic conditions/musculoskeletal injuries; traumatic injuries; respiratory problems; dermatitis; infectious diseases; cancer; eye problems.

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Number of Pages: 8