Illinois Farm Deaths: New High in 1994

In 1994 Illinois recorded a total of fifty farm related deaths. This is the highest ever since 1986, when this type of data was first collected. While accidents on the farm are declining gradually, there appears to be no let up in farm deaths which have averaged 40 deaths per year in the last eight years.

A study by Dr. Bob Aherin and Chip Petrea, the Agricultural Safety Specialists for the University of Illinois Cooperative Extension Service, reveals that tractors were involved in a majority of the fatalities: 22 out of the total 50 in 1994, and 157 out of the total of 320 between 1986 and 1994. Also involved in at least 25% of the other cases were farm equipment such as grain augers, combines and wagons. A county wise breakdown of farm deaths shows La Salle at the top with 11 deaths reported for the eight years covered, followed by Madison, MacLean and Randolph at second place, with nine each. Data for this study was derived from a newspaper clippings service provided by the Illinois Press Association, and verified by the Division of Epidemiological Studies of the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Clearly, the risks and hazards associated with farming can only diminish through continued efforts at educating society on safe practices, and by designing safer equipment and facilities for farms.

In keeping with it's mission of agricultural safety, the National Safety Council is organizing it's 53rd National Farm Safety And Health Week from the 17th-23rd of September. This year's theme is: "Sowing the Seeds of Health: Practice Safety. Look for additional articles on Farm Safety and Health during this week. To find out more about Farm Safety, and other educational information contact your local Extension Unit Office.

Illinois Farm Related Deaths - 1986-1994*

                                
     Type of Accident                 1994      1986-1994

     Tractor                           22        157
     Farm equipment (other
     than tractors)                     4         61
     Grain bins                         3         22
     PTO Related                        1         11
     Electrocution                      1         14
     Animal                             2          8
     Roadway Related                    7         15
     ATV                                1          2
     Manure/Pit Storage                 0          3
     Other                              9         27



     Age of Victims                   1994      1986-1994

     Less than 5 years                  2          9
     5-14 years                         2         19
     15-24 years                        5         37
     25-44                             12         66
     45-64                             11         99
     65 and more                       18         88
     Unknown                            0          2