Farm-related injury mortality in New Mexico, 1980-91.
To compare the epidemiology of farm with non-farm occupational injury deaths, we reviewed state medical examiner data for all occupational injury deaths in New Mexico from 1980 to 1991. We identified 53 farm-related injury deaths for a rate of 21.3 per 100,000 worker-years. Farm workers were four times more likely than non-farm workers to die from occupational injury. American Indians had the highest farm injury death rate. Farm decedents were older than non-farm decedents (t498 = 6.29, p < 0.0001). Half of the farm decedents were 50 years of age or older; one-third were 60 years of age or older. Crush injuries accounted for half of all farm injury deaths including 18 of 23 motor vehicle deaths, half of these involving a tractor rollover. One in six farm injury deaths were from electrocution: one in five involved alcohol. Our study indicates that New Mexico has high farm-related injury mortality related to tractor use, alcohol intoxication, farm animals, and exposure to electricity. American Indians and older males are especially susceptible to these factors.
Crandall
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University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Albuquerque 87131-5246, USA.
Fullerton
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Olson
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Sklar
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DP
Zumwalt
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R
D000062:Accidents, Occupational / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000383:Agriculture / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002423:Cause of Death; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009516:New Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000401:mortality* / Q000517:prevention & control