Scalping incidents involving hay balers - New York

Article Abstract:

Four people who were scalped by hay balers had injuries from entanglements with rotating secondary drivelines, even though the drivelines were shielded from above by three-sided guards. Though improved shielding has prevented accidents, farm machinery may be used for 40 years and not meet current standards. Owners may not retrofit machinery according to manufacturers' recommendations. In these particular cases the secondary driveline was four feet from the ground, which made the exposed bottom invisible but still high enough to cause injury. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) standards do not apply, as these were family farms with no full time employees. Research on these accidents was funded by the Occupational Health Nurses in Agricultural Communities project, a component of the National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH) Agriculture Health and Safety Initiative directed at farmers and their families.

Case studies, Workplace accidents, Scalp

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Agricultural auger-related injuries and fatalities - Minnesota, 1992-1994

Article Abstract:

Agricultural augers can be very dangerous if used improperly. An auger is a large corkscrew blade encased in a metal sheath that is used to move material such as grain in a grain silo. Most are shielded to prevent injuries. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) received 27 reports of death or injuries from augers between 1992 and 1994. Two episodes resulted in death and 10 people required amputations. Six of the injuries were in children younger than 18. Between 1984 and 1994, 14 deaths from auger injuries were reported to the Minnesota Extension Service. Augers should be off-limits to children and should be well-shielded. They should be disconnected electrically during repairs and workers should avoid wearing loose clothing. Workers should not step over an operating auger and should never use their hands to direct the flow of material.

Accidents, Augers

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Back Pain Among Persons Working on Small or Family Farms--Eight Colorado Counties, 1993-1996

Article Abstract:

Many farmers develop back pain, often from repetitive activities such as lifting, pushing, pulling, bending, twisting and reaching. This was the conclusion of a survey of 759 adults from 458 farms in eight northeastern Colorado counties between 1993 and 1996. One-fourth of the farmers had experienced back pain lasting longer than one week in the 12 months preceding the survey. Men were more likely to develop back pain from work whereas the women were more likely to develop back pain while performing domestic chores. About half the farmers attributed the back pain to repetitive activities.

Colorado, Causes of, Statistics, Overuse injuries, Repetition strain injury, Backache, Back pain

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