Sm. Erlich et al., WORK-RELATED AGRICULTURAL FATALITIES IN AUSTRALIA, 1982-1984, Scandinavian journal of work, environment & health, 19(3), 1993, pp. 162-167
Work-related agricultural fatalities were examined as part of a larger
population-based study of all work-related fatalities in Australia in
the period 1982-1984. A total of 257 farm-related fatalities were ide
ntified, of which 223 were deaths of persons in the employed civilian
labor force (19.4 deaths per 100 000 persons per year) and 34 were dea
ths of children less than 15 years of age. The fatality incidence was
higher among men, older age groups, and nonmanagers in general and in
certain occupations in particular. Mobile mechanical equipment (partic
ularly tractors) was the main fatal agent, roll-overs accounting for m
any of the fatalities. Better provision of information to agricultural
workers, improvements in compliance to and enforcement of legislation
, and changes in farming work practices are recommended to improve the
safety of farms and farm work.