It is no surprise that farming is one of the most dangerous
occupations. A number of factors, including noise, heavy
machinery, animals, machine parts that rotate, cut and pinch,
and long hours all contribute to this fact. With the spring
planting season approaching (assuming the snow stops, the rain
ends and the ground dries) it’s important to think about working
safely. Over the last 10 years, there have been 254 agricultural
fatalities in Ohio. In 2006, the most recent year for which
statistics are available, 27 people lost their lives in
agricultural related accidents. Not surprising, the majority of
these fatalities were during May and June when planting
operations were under way. While there is a decline after the
planting season, fatalities during this 10-year period were also
high during the summer hay-making season and the fall harvest
season. Of the 254 fatalities in the 10-year period, 90 people
from 41 to 60 years of age were victims. People age 61 to 70
accounted for 41 deaths and 34 people age 7