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Farm Safety
Common Agricultural Hazards in Arkansas

Agriculture is a relatively hazardous industry. According to National Safety Council (NSC) records, they consider agriculture the second most dangerous occupation after construction. 710 people working in agriculture died and an estimated 110,000 people had disabling injuries in the U.S. during 2003 (reported last year by NSC). In their analysis, they estimated that the national average cost of a work-related death was $1,100,000 and the cost of a lost-time work-related injury was $35,000. Arkansas costs may vary from this, but the average cost of most items, including medical care, has risen since 2003. Placing adequate emphasis on safety and avoiding common hazards can make a big difference.

Arkansas Agricultural  and ATV Accident Summary

The recent agricultural and ATV fatalities that we’re aware of in Arkansas are summarized below. The data from the last several years indicate there has been some reduction in most types of agricultural fatalities, compared to a decade ago. Maintaining an awareness of the hazards and placing emphasis on preventative measures to avoid equipment overturns and getting run over by equipment is a likely factor in reducing the fatalities. However, recently traffic accidents have involved more farm machinery nationally, unfortunately, that may also be true in Arkansas.

This data does not include all Arkansas agricultural and ATV fatalities; we have assembled this report from newspaper and other available accounts. In scanning all of the Arkansas newspapers we may have inadvertently overlooked an accident.

These statistics should encourage everyone in agriculture to redouble their effort to work in a safe manner. Avoiding common hazards may save your life or the life of someone in your family. The precautions for avoiding accidents aren’t “rocket science.” To prevent traffic collisions with farm machinery, use escorts to move equipment on the road, check that lighting is adequate for night traffic and make sure that SMV signs are easily visible. If at all possible, avoid moving agricultural equipment on the road during periods when traffic is often heavy.

Accidents can happen to anyone. One of the injured victims during 2002 was a five-year old girl; two 90-year old men were killed, one when his tractor overturned and the other man run over. Install ROPS on all your tractors and use seat belts and don’t allow riders on tractors. Never start a tractor by shorting across the starter. Take time to think through your task before actually starting the task. Planning your work carefully and modifying your approach in order to do it safely, will save time and avoid severe injury. Your attention to safety concerns can make your farm a safe place to work. Death, trauma and costly accidents aren’t an essential element of agricultural work. You’re a vital part of making agriculture safer.

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University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture
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Last Date Modified 04/24/2008
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University of Arkansas • Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
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Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 • USA
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