A few weeks ago, a farming incident took the life of an Oklahoma man. Floyd “Junior” Etter Jr., 56-years-old, was run over by a combine while moisture testing the ground. Etter was well known in the community for helping others. KSWO News Channel Seven reports that this incident underscores just how dangerous farm work can be. The need for safety education and training can’t be overstated when farmers and farm workers are utilizing large pieces of heavy machinery on a daily basis.
U.S. Agricultural Safety Statistics
- In 2010, approximately 1,823,000 full-time workers were employed in production agriculture.
- In 2009, an estimated 1.03 million children and young adults under the age of 20 resided on farms.
- About half of those performed farm work.
- In 2010, 476 farmers and farm workers died due to work-related injury.
- The fatality rate for farmers and farm workers is 26.1 deaths per 100,000 workers.
- Tractor overturns were the leading cause of death for farmers and farm workers.
- The leading cause of fatal injuries to children and young adults under the age of 20 involved machinery.
- Every day, approximately 243 farm workers suffer a lost-work-time injury.
- Five percent of those injuries result in permanent impairment.
Heavy Equipment Safety Concerns
Tractors, combines and other large pieces of heavy farming equipment represent the largest potential danger to farm workers and ranchers. It’s important to make sure everybody who is working with and around heavy machinery is properly trained in safety procedures and proper use.
Since most farms and ranches across Texoma are family-run operations, particular attention should be paid when children and youth farm workers are handling, operating and working around large pieces of machinery.
Farming Accidents in Texoma
If you or a loved one has been injured in a farming accident, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Even if your farm or ranch is insured, contact a lawyer. Insurance companies aren’t always looking out for the best interest of the policy holder.
Families may be facing lost wages, medical bills, rehabilitation costs and other expenses caused by a farm accident. Unlike many other industries, when farm works needs to be done, it waits for nobody.
After a farming accident, an attorney can help make sure you get the compensation you deserve, so you can get back to your regular life. The team at the Altman Legal Group sends their deepest condolences to the family members and friends of Mr. Etter.