NOTE: This document is provided for historical purposes only.

Fatal Work-Related Injuries in the Agricultural Production and Services Sectors Among Youth in the United States, 1992-96

Authors: Dawn N. Castillo, MPH, is Chief, Surveillance and Field Investigations Branch. Nelson Adekoya, DrPH, is Research Epidemiologist and John R. Myers, MSF, is Health Statistician, Division of Safety Research, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, West Virginia, 26505.

Abstract

We used data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries to describe fatal agricultural work injuries among youth less than 20 years of age from 1992-1996. There were 188 deaths, 23% of which were tractor-related. Eighty-three deaths were reported among individuals engaged in family businesses. The fatality rate for 15-to 19-year-olds was 12.2 deaths per 100,000 full-time equivalents. Youth fatality rates were comparable to those of adult workers up until the age group of 45-54 years. Non-regulatory approaches to preventing injuries, especially in family businesses, are important given the current form of U.S. child labor laws.

Keywords: agriculture; child labor; occupational injuries; adolescent

 

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Page last modified: August 27, 2001
Page last reviewed: August 27, 2001 (archived document)
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)