1
|
Jadhav R, Achutan C, Haynatzki G, Rajaram S, Rautiainen R. Injury risk factors to farm and ranch operators in the Central United States. Am J Ind Med 2017; 60:889-899. [PMID: 28845906 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study focused on risk factors for serious injuries in farm and ranch operators in the central United States. METHODS The Central States Center for Agricultural Safety and Health, in collaboration with the National Agricultural Statistics Service, sent mail surveys to 6953, 6912, and 6912 farms/ranches in 2011-2013, respectively, covering seven Midwestern states. RESULTS The average survey response rate was 35%. The average annual incidence rate (injuries/100 workers) was 6.91 for all injuries and 2.40 for serious injuries. Univariate analyses determined several demographic and farm production-related risk factors for serious injury. Adjusted analysis showed a greater risk of serious injury for operators of age 45-54 years (vs. 65 and higher), those who worked 75-99% of their time (vs. less time), and those who operated larger land areas (vs. smaller). CONCLUSION The identified risk factors should be considered when targeting injury prevention programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jadhav
- Department of Public Health; California State University Fresno; Fresno California
| | - Chandran Achutan
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha Nebraska
| | - Gleb Haynatzki
- Department of Biostatistics; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha Nebraska
| | - Shireen Rajaram
- Department of Health Promotion and Social and Behavioral Health; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha Nebraska
| | - Risto Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health; University of Nebraska Medical Center; Omaha Nebraska
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jadhav R, Achutan C, Haynatzki G, Rajaram S, Rautiainen R. Review and Meta-analysis of Emerging Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury. J Agromedicine 2017; 21:284-97. [PMID: 27088816 DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2016.1179611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Agricultural injury is a significant public health problem globally. Extensive research has addressed this problem, and a growing number of risk factors have been reported. The authors evaluated the evidence for frequently reported risk factors earlier. The objective in the current study was to identify emerging risk factors for agricultural injury and calculate pooled estimates for factors that were assessed in two or more studies. A total of 441 (PubMed) and 285 (Google Scholar) studies were identified focusing on occupational injuries in agriculture. From these, 39 studies reported point estimates of risk factors for injury; 38 of them passed the Newcastle-Ottawa criteria for quality and were selected for the systematic review and meta-analysis. Several risk factors were significantly associated with injury in the meta-analysis. These included older age (vs. younger), education up to high school or higher (vs. lower), non-Caucasian race (vs. Caucasian), Finnish language (vs. Swedish), residence on-farm (vs. off-farm), sleeping less than 7-7.5 hours (vs. more), high perceived injury risk (vs. low), challenging social conditions (vs. normal), greater farm sales, size, income, and number of employees on the farm (vs. smaller), animal production (vs. other production), unsafe practices conducted (vs. not), computer use (vs. not), dermal exposure to pesticides and/or chemicals (vs. not), high cooperation between farms (vs. not), and machinery condition fair/poor (vs. excellent/good). Eighteen of the 25 risk factors were significant in the meta-analysis. The identified risk factors should be considered when designing interventions and selecting populations at high risk of injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jadhav
- a Department of Environmental and Occupational Health , University of Nevada, Las Vegas , Las Vegas , Nevada , USA
| | - Chandran Achutan
- b Department of Environmental , Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA
| | - Gleb Haynatzki
- c Department of Biostatistics , University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA
| | - Shireen Rajaram
- d Department of Health Promotion , Social and Behavioral Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA
| | - Risto Rautiainen
- b Department of Environmental , Agricultural and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , Nebraska , USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Estill CF, Rice CH, Morata T, Bhattacharya A. Noise and neurotoxic chemical exposure relationship to workplace traumatic injuries: A review. JOURNAL OF SAFETY RESEARCH 2017; 60:35-42. [PMID: 28160812 PMCID: PMC5577555 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsr.2016.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION More than 5,000 fatalities and eight million injuries occurred in the workplace in 2007 at a cost of $6 billion and $186 billion, respectively. Neurotoxic chemicals are known to affect central nervous system functions among workers, which include balance and hearing disorders. However, it is not known if there is an association between exposure to noise and solvents and acute injuries. METHOD A thorough review was conducted of the literature on the relationship between noise or solvent exposures and hearing loss with various health outcomes. RESULTS The search resulted in 41 studies. Health outcomes included: hearing loss, workplace injuries, absence from work due to sickness, fatalities, hospital admissions due to workplace accidents, traffic accidents, hypertension, balance, slip, trips, or falls, cognitive measures, or disability retirement. Important covariates in these studies were age of employee, type of industry or occupation, or length of employment. DISCUSSION Most authors that evaluated noise exposure concluded that higher exposure to noise resulted in more of the chosen health effect but the relationship is not well understood. Studies that evaluated hearing loss found that hearing loss was related to occupational injury, disability retirement, or traffic accidents. Studies that assessed both noise exposure and hearing loss as risk factors for occupational injuries reported that hearing loss was related to occupational injuries as much or more than noise exposure. Evidence suggests that solvent exposure is likely to be related to accidents or other health consequences such balance disorders. CONCLUSIONS Many authors reported that noise exposures and hearing loss, respectively, are likely to be related to occupational accidents. Practical applications: The potential significance of the study is that findings could be used by managers to reduce injuries and the costs associated with those injures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl Fairfield Estill
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45226, United States.
| | - Carol H Rice
- University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Kettering Lab, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, United States
| | - Thais Morata
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 1090 Tusculum Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45226, United States
| | - Amit Bhattacharya
- University of Cincinnati, 160 Panzeca Way, Kettering Lab, Cincinnati, OH 45267-0056, United States
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Jadhav R, Achutan C, Haynatzki G, Rajaram S, Rautiainen R. Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Agromedicine 2015; 20:434-49. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2015.1075450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Jadhav
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Chandran Achutan
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Gleb Haynatzki
- Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Shireen Rajaram
- Department of Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Risto Rautiainen
- Department of Environmental, Agricultural and Occupational Health, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Palmer KT, D'Angelo S, Harris EC, Linaker C, Coggon D. Sensory impairments, problems of balance and accidental injury at work: a case-control study. Occup Environ Med 2014; 72:195-9. [PMID: 25523936 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2014-102422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Sensory impairments are becoming increasingly common in the workforces of Western countries. To assess their role in occupational injury, and that of disorders of balance, we undertook a case-control study. METHODS Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, which documents all medical consultations, referrals and diagnoses in primary care for 6% of the British population, we identified 1348 working-aged patients who had consulted medical services over a 22-year period for workplace injury (cases) and 6652 age-matched, sex-matched and practice-matched controls. Risks were assessed by conditional logistic regression, for earlier recorded diagnoses of visual impairment, common eye diseases, hearing loss, perforated ear drum, non-acute otitis media and disorders of balance. RESULTS In all, 173 (2.2%) participants had an earlier eye problem, 792 (9.9%) an ear problem (including 336 with impaired hearing and 482 with non-acute otitis media) and 266 (3.3%) a disorder of balance. No associations were found with glaucoma, cataract, retinal disorders or perforation of the ear drum specifically, but adjusted ORs were moderately elevated for eye and ear problems more generally, and higher where there was a record of blindness or partial sight (OR 1.90, 95% CI 1.05 to 3.44) or non-acute otitis media (OR 2.04, 95% CI 1.64 to 2.54). Risks for non-acute otitis media and for disorders of balance were particularly elevated for consultations in the 12 months preceding injury consultation (OR 2.70, 95% CI 1.58 to 4.62 and 1.77, 95% CI 1.01 to 3.11, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Problems of vision, impairments of hearing and disorders of balance all may carry moderately increased risks of occupational injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keith T Palmer
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Stefania D'Angelo
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - E Clare Harris
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - Cathy Linaker
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| | - David Coggon
- MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kubo J, Goldstein BA, Cantley LF, Tessier-Sherman B, Galusha D, Slade MD, Chu IM, Cullen MR. Contribution of health status and prevalent chronic disease to individual risk for workplace injury in the manufacturing environment. Occup Environ Med 2013; 71:159-66. [PMID: 24142977 PMCID: PMC3932962 DOI: 10.1136/oemed-2013-101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Objectives An ‘information gap’ has been identified regarding the effects of chronic disease on occupational injury risk. We investigated the association of ischaemic heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, depression and asthma with acute occupational injury in a cohort of manufacturing workers from 1 January 1997 through 31 December 2007. Methods We used administrative data on real-time injury, medical claims, workplace characteristics and demographics to examine this association. We employed a piecewise exponential model within an Andersen–Gill framework with a frailty term at the employee level to account for inclusion of multiple injuries for each employee, random effects at the employee level due to correlation among jobs held by an employee, and experience on the job as a covariate. Results One-third of employees had at least one of the diseases during the study period. After adjusting for potential confounders, presence of these diseases was associated with increased hazard of injury: heart disease (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.36), diabetes (HR 1.17, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.27), depression (HR 1.25, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.38) and asthma (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.287). Hypertension was not significantly associated with hazard of injury. Associations of chronic disease with injury risk were less evident for more serious reportable injuries; only depression and a summary health metric derived from claims remained significantly positive in this subset. Conclusions Our results suggest that chronic heart disease, diabetes and depression confer an increased risk for acute occupational injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Kubo
- Quantitative Sciences Unit, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Marcum JL, Browning SR, Reed DB, Charnigo RJ. Determinants of Work Hours Among a Cohort of Male and Female Farmers 50 Years and Older in Kentucky and South Carolina (2002–2005). J Agromedicine 2011; 16:163-73. [DOI: 10.1080/1059924x.2011.581529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
8
|
Voaklander DC, Dosman JA, Hagel LM, Warsh J, Pickett W. Farm work exposure of older male farmers in Saskatchewan. Am J Ind Med 2010; 53:706-15. [PMID: 20187005 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The average age of farmers in North America is increasing each year. Research has determined that age and health status are both related to increased risk of injury. The purpose of this research was to determine the association of health and medication factors with exposure to farm work in older male farmers. METHODS As part of a cohort study to study determinants of injury on Saskatchewan farms, 5,502 farm people associated with 2,386 Saskatchewan farms were surveyed by mail questionnaire during the winter of 2007. The primary dependent variable was average hours per week of farm work. Independent variables included illnesses, age, and medication use. RESULTS The mean number of hours worked per week by farmers aged 55 years and older was 48. There was a significant relationship between age and hours worked with each year of age accounting for about 0.85 hr less work per week. Medication use was related to a reduction in weekly work hours during the busy fall season but was not related to work exposure averaged over the whole year. In multivariable linear regression analysis, the main contributing variables to farm work exposure were: retired status (-), working off farm (-), and age (-). CONCLUSION The amount of hours older farmers work on the farm is considerable compared to any other occupational category. While there is a declining trend in the amount of work, a 75-year-old farmer still works, on average, about 34 hr per week. Some farmers do appear to self-limit during busy times of the year if they are taking medication.
Collapse
|
9
|
Myers JR, Hendricks KJ. Agricultural tractor overturn deaths: Assessment of trends and risk factors. Am J Ind Med 2010; 53:662-72. [PMID: 19894222 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tractor overturn deaths have been recognized as a public health concern for decades. Studies have reported on the hazards associated with tractor overturns, but none have reported on trends in tractor overturn fatality rates in the United States (US). METHODS Tractor overturn fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries were used in Poisson regression models to: identify risk factors associated with overturn fatalities; examine trends in tractor overturn fatality rates between 1992 and 2007; and assess trends in overturn fatality rates for specific risk factors. RESULTS Characteristics found to be associated with tractor overturn fatality rates were age, type of farm, region, and the victim's relationship to the farm (P < 0.0001). Older age groups, crop farms, farms in the Midwest and Northeast, and family workers all had higher fatal tractor overturn risks. Overall, tractor overturn fatality rates declined 28.5% between 1992 and 2007. Significant decreases in tractor overturn fatality rates were found for the Northeast and South regions, hired workers, crop farms, and in every age group except those less than 25 years of age. CONCLUSIONS Tractor overturn fatality rates decreased between 1992 and 2007. These decreases were not consistent between different categories of the agricultural workforce or regions of the US. Changes in tractor overturn fatality rates may be partially explained by increases in the prevalence of ROPS on farm tractors in the US. ROPS promotion programs are needed to reduce tractor overturn fatalities, especially among those subpopulations at highest risk.
Collapse
|
10
|
Xiang H, Shi J, Wheeler K, Wilkins JR. Disability and employment among U.S. working-age immigrants. Am J Ind Med 2010; 53:425-34. [PMID: 20187002 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is little research which examines disability status and the employment decisions of the US immigrant working-age population. METHODS The 2007 American Community Survey data were analyzed to compare disabilities and employment characteristics between immigrant and US-born adults 18-64 years of age. Separate logistic regression models of employment were constructed among persons with disabilities and among persons without disabilities. Each multivariate model included nativity/citizenship, sex, race/ethnicity, age, and education. RESULTS In 2007, 40.8% (95% CI: 39.9-41.7) of immigrants with disabilities were employed, while only 34.9% (95% CI: 34.6-35.2) of US-born persons with disabilities were employed. For each type of disability, including difficulty working, immigrants with disabilities were more likely than their US-born counterparts to be employed. The median wage/salary incomes for persons with disabilities, foreign-born and US-born, respectively, were $20,000 and $22,000. In contrast, the median wage/salary incomes of foreign-born persons with mental impairments, self-care limitations, or participation restrictions exceeded those of US-born persons with these same disabilities. Nativity and citizenship had different effects in separate logistic models of employment for persons with disabilities and persons without disabilities. Among persons with disabilities, foreign-born citizens were more likely to be employed than the US-born, OR = 1.40 (95% CI: 1.33-1.48), and non-citizens were also more likely to be employed, OR = 1.74 (95% CI: 1.62-1.87), than US-born persons. Among persons without disabilities, foreign-born non-citizens were less likely to be employed than the US-born, OR = 0.82 (95% CI: 0.82-0.85). CONCLUSION Immigrants with disabilities were more frequently employed than US-born persons with disabilities for all types of disabilities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huiyun Xiang
- Center for Injury Research and Policy, The Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio 43205, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Voaklander DC, Umbarger-Mackey ML, Wilson ML. Health, medication use, and agricultural injury: A review. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:876-89. [PMID: 19731241 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural work in the United States and Canada continues to be one of the most dangerous vocations. Surveillance evidence suggests that older farmers (>60 years of age) are at greater risk of serious injury than their younger counterparts. The purpose of this article was to outline illnesses and medications that may contribute to older farmers' increased risk of agricultural injury and to determine a minimum set of health-related covariates that could be used in farm injury studies. METHODS A review of English language literature in Medline, CINAHL, and NIOSH databases was conducted examining disease and medication factors related to farm injury. RESULTS Health- and disease-related factors most commonly reported as significantly contributing to agricultural injury included previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis, and sleep deprivation. The use of "any medication" was identified as a significant risk factor for injury in a number of studies. The use of sleep medication was significantly related to injury in two studies. CONCLUSIONS Based on the findings, it is recommended that at a minimum, researchers collect information on the prevalence of previous injury, hearing problems, depression, arthritis/muscular-skeletal problems and sleep disturbance as these have been identified as significant risk factors in a number of studies. In addition, where subjects that identify any of these afflictions, further information should be sought on any medications used in their treatment which can add data on disease severity. More research and surveillance activities need to be focused on the older farm worker. This population is critical to the maintenance of the agricultural base in North America and health and safety research initiatives need to address this. By integrating research from the fields of gerontology, occupational health and safety, and injury prevention, innovative interventions could be constructed to assist the aging farmer in the continuation of safe farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donald C Voaklander
- Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research, School of Public Health, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Myers JR, Layne LA, Marsh SM. Injuries and fatalities to U.S. farmers and farm workers 55 years and older. Am J Ind Med 2009; 52:185-94. [PMID: 19016260 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have shown that older farmers and farm workers have been identified at high risk for farm fatalities, most notably involving tractor overturns. Older farmers also incur more severe non-fatal injuries. METHODS Data from two national surveillance systems are presented to describe fatal and non-fatal injuries occurring to older farmers 55+ years of age. Tractor-related fatality investigations for older farmers are examined for characteristics of the tractors not available in the injury surveillance systems. RESULTS Older farmers and farm workers averaged 26,573 lost-time injuries annually in 2001 and 2004, with an injury rate of 4.5 injuries/100 workers/year compared to an overall farming injury rate of 4.8 injuries/100 workers/year. Fatality data show that older farmers accounted for over half of all farming deaths between 1992 and 2004 (3,671 of 7,064 deaths), and had a fatality rate of 45.8 deaths/100,000 workers/year compared to the overall farming fatality rate of 25.4 deaths/100,000 workers/year. Most common mechanisms of fatal injury to older farmers were "tractors" (46%), "trucks" (7%), and "animals" (5%). CONCLUSIONS Although older farmers and farm workers are at lower risk of overall injury compared to their younger counterparts, injuries to farmers 55 years and older tend to be much more severe. To effectively minimize the risk faced by older farmers, prevention programs must encourage safe work behaviors and practices and the implementation/installation of appropriate safety devices and equipment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John R Myers
- Division of Safety Research, NIOSH, Morgantown, West Virginia 26505, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Palmer KT, Harris EC, Coggon D. Chronic health problems and risk of accidental injury in the workplace: a systematic literature review. Occup Environ Med 2008; 65:757-64. [PMID: 18417559 PMCID: PMC3636681 DOI: 10.1136/oem.2007.037440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate whether common important health conditions and their treatments increase risks of occupational injury. METHODS A systematic search was conducted of MEDLINE, EMBASE and PsycINFO databases from inception to November 2006 employing terms for occupational injury, medications, and a broad range of diseases and impairments. Papers related solely to driving, alcohol, or substance abuse were excluded, as were studies that did not allow analysis of injury risk. For each paper that was retrieved we abstracted standard information on the population, design, exposure(s), outcome(s), response rates, confounders and effect estimates; and rated the quality of information provided. RESULTS We found 38 relevant papers (33 study populations): 16 studies were of cross-sectional design, 13 were case-control and 4 were prospective. The overall quality was rated as excellent for only two studies. Most commonly investigated were problems of hearing (15 studies), mental health (11 studies) and vision (10 studies). For impaired hearing, neurotic illness, diabetes, epilepsy and use of sedating medication there were moderate positive associations with occupational injury (odds ratios 1.5-2.0), but there were major gaps in the evidence base. Studies covering vision did not present risks by category of eye disease; no evidence was found on psychotic illness; for diabetes, epilepsy and cardiovascular disease there were remarkably few papers; studies seldom distinguished risks by sub-category of external cause or anatomical site and nature of injury; and exposures and outcomes were mostly ascertained by self-report at a single time point, with a lack of clarity about exposure timings. CONCLUSION Improved research is needed to define the risks of occupational injury arising from common health complaints and treatments. Such research should delineate exposures and outcomes in more detail, and ensure by design that the former precede the latter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K T Palmer
- MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO166YD, UK.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Cole HP, Donovan TA. Older Farmers' Prevalence, Capital, Health, Age-Related Limitations, and Adaptations. J Agromedicine 2008; 13:81-94. [DOI: 10.1080/10599240802125680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
15
|
Abstract
A random sample ( N = 87) of older Illinois farmers was surveyed to assess their experiences with traumatic injuries and the relationship between injury rate and age, type of farm activities, amount of stress, and hours of work per week. Farmers' knowledge of safety was assessed. Findings revealed that the number of hours worked, age, and type of farm activities were not significantly related to the number of injuries reported. However, self-reported stress, when stratified by age, was found to be related to injury among farmers aged 55 to 59 years. Also, scores on a farm safety quiz were found to be higher (less knowledge) among farmers who reported more injuries. Items in the safety quiz frequently missed by farmers included falls as a source of injury (29.2%), children being commonly injured on farms (19%), the cause of farmers' lung disease (46.9%), and animals as a cause of injury on farms (12.9%).
Collapse
|
16
|
Abstract
A random sample ( N = 87) of older Illinois farmers was surveyed to assess their experiences with traumatic injuries and the relationship between injury rate and age, type of farm activities, amount of stress, and hours of work per week. Farmers' knowledge of safety was assessed. Findings revealed that the number of hours worked, age, and type of farm activities were not significantly related to the number of injuries reported. However, self-reported stress, when stratified by age, was found to be related to injury among farmers aged 55 to 59 years. Also, scores on a farm safety quiz were found to be higher (less knowledge) among farmers who reported more injuries. Items in the safety quiz frequently missed by farmers included falls as a source of injury (29.2%), children being commonly injured on farms (19%), the cause of farmers' lung disease (46.9%), and animals as a cause of injury on farms (12.9%).
Collapse
|
17
|
Voaklander DC, Kelly KD, Rowe BH, Schopflocher DP, Svenson L, Yiannakoulias N, Pickett W. Pain, medication, and injury in older farmers. Am J Ind Med 2006; 49:374-82. [PMID: 16526061 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.20292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Agricultural work continues to be a dangerous occupation. Older farmers experience high risks for work-related injury. The purpose of this research was to determine if there is a relationship between medication use and injury among older male farmers in Alberta. METHODS Using probabilistic linkage between an Alberta Agriculture government registry of farm operators and the Alberta Health Plan registry file, older farmers (aged 66 and older) were identified. Farm related injuries were identified using an E-code search of both hospitalization and emergency department separations for a 3-year period. Cases were matched to controls on age, geographic health region, and index injury date at a ratio of 1:5. Co-morbidity and medication use for each of the cases and controls were derived from population based health system utilization files. Conditional logistic regression was used to determine which medications were related to injury. RESULTS Overall, a total of 282 farm related injuries were suffered by the linked group. Controlling for co-morbidity, farmers who had stopped taking narcotic pain killers (OR = 9.37 [95% CI:4.95, 17.72]) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (OR = 2.40 [95% CI:1.43, 4.03]) 30 days prior to the date of injury were at risk of injury. Those farmers taking sedatives up until the date of injury were also at risk (OR = 3.01 [95 CI:1.39, 6.52]). In addition, those suffering from incontinence/urinary tract disorders (OR = 2.95 [95% CI:1.30, 6.71]), and prior injury (OR = 1.42 [95% CI:1.04, 1.95]) were also at greater risk of injury. CONCLUSIONS The relationship of medication use and injury in this population is different from those observed in studies of falls in older persons. We hypothesize that distraction from either pain or co-morbidity may play an important role in the etiology of injuries suffered in this active older working population. Further investigations in this area are required to confirm these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D C Voaklander
- Public Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Abstract
Over half of America's 1.9 million farms are operated by persons over age 55. Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the nation; the oldest age group in farming suffers disproportionately high mortality and morbidity rates. Results from this study indicate that farmers may have unique perspectives of health and the role that work plays in their health outcomes. Despite the perceived positive attributes of farm work, the nature of the work performed by this sample of 725 farmers indicates the continued performance of tasks that place them at high risk for injury. Because of the contextual nature of farm life, work modification counseling may be more beneficial for the aging farmer than abstinence from work. Examples are provided.
Collapse
|
19
|
Peek-Asa C, Zwerling C, Stallones L. Acute traumatic injuries in rural populations. Am J Public Health 2004; 94:1689-93. [PMID: 15451733 PMCID: PMC1448517 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.94.10.1689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/30/2004] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
In the United States, injuries are the leading cause of death among individuals aged 1 to 45 years and the fourth leading cause of death overall. Rural populations exhibit disproportionately high injury mortality rates. Deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes, traumatic occupational injuries, drowning, residential fires, and suicide all increase with increasing rurality. We describe differences in rates and patterns of injury among rural and urban populations and discuss factors that contribute to these differences.
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
Agricultural work is the most prevalent type of employment in the world. In the United States only a few are engaged in creating food and fiber for many. Agriculture includes farming, ranching, fishing, and forestry, and together they carry significant risk for the development of injury or illness. There are numerous special-population issues related to agriculture. Farmers are old and growing older, many workers are children, and migrant and seasonal help, often foreign born, make up a large percentage of the workforce. It has been only relatively recently that concerns of agricultural safety and health have become a major research focus in the United States.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arthur L Frank
- Environmental and Occupational Health, Drexel University School of Public Health, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
BACKGROUND Few studies have assessed the relationship between alcohol consumption patterns among farm populations and work-related injuries. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of alcohol consumption patterns on farmwork-related injuries. METHODS Prospective cohort study of Colorado farm residents, 1993 to 1995. Self-reported injuries, alcohol consumption, and demographics were assessed over 3 years. A stratified probability sample of farms was selected to include approximately 2.6% of Colorado farm residences with a farm operator living on the property. A total of 485 farms, including 872 individuals, were recruited in the initial cohort. In the second year, 746 individuals were re-interviewed, and in the third year, 653 of the original group participated. RESULTS Injuries during the study period were assessed in relationship to alcohol consumption. During the 3 years, 150 farm residents reported a total of 215 farmwork-related injuries. An increased risk of injury was associated with increased alcohol consumption. Compared to abstainers, farm residents who drank more frequently had higher farmwork injury incidence rates (3.09 and 3.35 injuries per 10,000 person-days of observation versus 1.94 injuries per 10,000). Farm residents who typically drank three or more drinks per day had a farmwork injury rate of 3.62 per 10,000 person-days (95% confidence interval [CI]=2.38-4.85). Farm residents who typically drank one to two drinks per day had a farmwork-related injury rate of 3.02 per 10,000 person-days (95% CI=2.44-3.60). In multivariate models, alcohol consumption frequency and quantity were significantly associated with farmwork-related injuries. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol consumption should be considered in studies of agricultural injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lorann Stallones
- Colorado State University, Department of Psychology, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523-1876, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xiang H, Wang Z, Stallones L, Keefe TJ, Huang X, Fu X. Agricultural work-related injuries among farmers in Hubei, People's Republic of China. Am J Public Health 2000; 90:1269-76. [PMID: 10937008 PMCID: PMC1446351 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.90.8.1269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This population-based study evaluated patterns of and risk factors for, agricultural injuries among farmers in the People's Republic of China. METHODS A multistage sample of 1500 Chinese farmers was selected from 14 villages. Face-to-face interviews with 1358 farmers were conducted between July 1997 and September 1997 (response rate = 91%). Agricultural work-related injuries that occurred in the previous 24 months and the associated factors were evaluated. RESULTS A total of 33% of the farmers reported at least 1 work-related injury in the 24 months before the survey. Major external causes of the injuries were hand tools (50%), falls (26%), and heavy falling objects (10%). The statistically significant risk factors for injury were low family income, 1 to 6 school years of education, self-reported pesticide exposure, tension in relationships with neighbors, and stress in life. The most notable result was the relation between self-reported pesticide exposure and injury, with farmers with greater pesticide exposure at significantly greater risk for injury. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study indicated that injuries occurring among Chinese farmers may have unique patterns and potential risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Xiang
- Colorado Injury Control Research Center, Fort Collins, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|