Livestock‐handling injuries in agriculture: An analysis of Colorado workers' compensation data

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have reported that livestock‐handling injuries are among the most severe of agricultural injuries. This study identifies the costs, characteristics, and contributing factors associated with livestock‐handling injuries among Colorado dairy farmers, cattle/livestock raisers, and cattle dealers.MethodsA 10‐year (1997–2006) history of Colorado's workers' compensation claims data was used for analysis. Descriptive analyses of livestock‐handling injury claims were performed. Claim cost analysis was also conducted. The agent–host–environment epidemiological model was used to analyze injury event descriptions.ResultsA total of 1,114 livestock‐handling claims were analyzed. Claims associated with milking parlor tasks represented nearly 50% of injuries among dairy workers. Claims associated with riding horseback, sorting/penning cattle, and livestock‐handling equipment represented high proportions of livestock‐handling injuries among cattle/livestock raisers and cattle dealers. Claims associated with livestock‐handling represented the highest percentage of high‐cost and high‐severity injuries in all three sectors.ConclusionsLivestock‐handling injuries are a significant problem, more costly, and result in more time off work than other causes of agricultural injuries. There is a strong and compelling need to develop cost‐effective interventions to reduce the number of livestock‐handling injuries in agriculture. Am. J. Ind. Med. 52:391–407, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.