New Study Underscores the Importance of Ensuring Farmworker Safety
August 10, 2022 Workers on a farm are subject to all kinds of factors that make it not only one of the toughest jobs, but also among the most dangerous occupations. Results from a new study conducted by researchers from the University of Florida aim to increase the safety of farmworkers and others whether in the field or packinghouse.
For the study that was recently published in the journal Safety, UF/IFAS Assistant Professor Serap Gorucu and her colleagues focused on skid steer loaders. She found the piece of specialty equipment caused more than 300 injuries from 2015 to 2020. One-third of them were in the agriculture sector. Among those in farming, 24 (more than one-third) involved youth, age 5 to 18.
The data in the study comes from injury reports from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration and AgInjuryNews, a web-based tool that compiles serious agricultural injuries reported by the media. Researchers found injuries from skid steer loaders in 44 states, with Florida (27), California (27), and Texas (40) leading the way.
Gorucu says the study’s findings reinforce the need for improved safety engineering and clear safety guidelines for skid steer operators – particularly because children are so vulnerable around the machines.
Other key findings found in the study:
• Construction, waste management, and agriculture topped the list of industries for skid steer loader injuries.
• Bystander workers were injured more often than those who operated the machines.
Because this marks the first time any researcher has looked into skid steer loader injuries specifically, there are no previous numbers to compare Gorucu’s findings. But she is more concerned about the injuries and how to prevent them.
One tip she notes involves vision. Operators of skid steer loaders often cannot see well around the machines. Gorucu suggests using camera systems or sensors to warn them of bystanders.
To read the entire study in detail, visit mdpi.com.