Agricultural fatalities have a tragic impact on families, communities, and the industry overall. With under 90,000 primary operators in the state, Iowa cannot afford to lose any to preventable deaths. If you work with farmers in any capacity, as a lender, an insurance agent, or an input dealer, you want them to succeed. You know they make better business decisions if they’re healthy and safe.
Agricultural Injuries are Costly
- Following an injury, average farm income is reduced by 30%
- According to research by Decision Innovation Solutions, the total economic impact to a farm exceeds $740,000.
- Nationally, the annual cost of occupational injuries in agriculture is $8.3 billion in medical costs and lost productivity.
- In Iowa, $59,299 in lost local, state, and federal tax revenue following a fatality
An Ounce of Prevention
There are numerous demonstrated solutions that can reduce the risk of injuries and fatalities on farms. You have a close relationship with your agricultural clients and can help ensure the health and safety of farmers and their families. When working together, consider recommending:
- Implementing a farm safety plan
- Installing Roll-Over Protection Structures (ROPS) on tractors
- Improving lighting and marking on implements used on public roadways
- Updating guards and shields on equipment
- Ensuring appropriate chemical storage and handling practices
- Creating safe play areas for children and grandchildren on the farm
- Developing a hazard map for emergency responders
It takes comparatively little investment to prevent a significant loss of time, resources, or a life.
The table below* shows the most common and serious agricultural injuries, prevention strategies and cost, and the potential cost of associated injuries.
*All figures estimates based on best-known surveillance and cost data: Ag Injury Costs Resources