Characteristics Associated with Increased Farm Work-related Injuries Among Male Resident Farm Operators in Colorado, 1993

Abstract

Numerous studies have reported injury risks among farmers. Few have provided detailed information related to off-farm paid work practices and pesticide exposures in relation to the risk of farm work-related injuries. This study provides estimates of the risk of injury associated with these exposures in a population-based survey of Colorado male resident farm operators. Significantly associated with the risk of farm work-related injuries were the number of days of off-farm employment (50-149 days) (odds ratio 3.25, 95% confidence interval 1.40, 7.53) and having a primary cash crop of large animals including beef, dairy, and feedlot operations (odds ratio 4.63, 95% confidence interval 1.01, 21.25). Organophosphate use and carbamate use on the farm in the previous 12 months were associated with injury but were not significantly associated when considered in a logistic regression model including age, cash crop, and the work-related variables listed above. However, in the logistic regression analysis, the risk of exposure to the neurotoxic carbamate chemicals was greater (odds ratio 2.03, 95% confidence interval 0.59, 6.94) among injured farm operators than in the univariate analysis (odds ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 0.35, 4.60).

Full article can be found in: Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health
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