POTSDAM – Dairy and agricultural farming are vital to the St. Lawrence Region, but as harvest season ramps up, the risks for injury increase dramatically. Staying alert and prepared can mean the difference between a safe day and a serious injury, or even a fatal accident. Many may not realize just how hazardous this time of year can be.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the agriculture industry consistently ranks as one of the highest risk sectors for occupational injuries and fatalities, with 453 fatalities recorded in 2021, or an equivalent of 19.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members, including children, are at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Injuries On The Farm

Canton-Potsdam Hospital (CPH) Emergency Medicine Director Ryan Coates, DO, of Rochester Regional Health’s St. Lawrence Region pointed out the emergency teams at CPH, Gouverneur Hospital, and Massena Hospital see a number of farming-related injuries each year.

“Hand injuries related to operating equipment are the most common, and can vary from crush injuries, to lacerations, or amputations,” Dr. Coates said. “Dairy farmers are especially vulnerable to potential life-altering injuries related to their work with large livestock in enclosed environments. We also frequently see infected cuts from those working in and around manure, back injuries due to lifting heavy objects at odd angles, and slip and fall injuries.”

Even in the best of circumstances, many farms are likely miles from the closest rescue squad. If you are in the unfortunate position of having to help someone with an injury, provide first aid as you are able remembering the following tips:

• If there is bleeding, apply pressure to areas of heavy bleeding to help control the bleed.
• If the person is awake and walking, you or another person can consider transporting them to a hospital if an ambulance is unavailable, or if common judgement deems an ambulance is not necessary.
• If a person is unconscious, unable to walk, not breathing, has a suspected spinal injury, or if bleeding cannot be controlled, call 911.

Incident & Suffocation Prevention

Farming injuries are best prevented by ensuring equipment is in good working order, and that all employees are properly trained on the equipment they are expected to use.

“It is important to use farm equipment as it was designed,” Dr. Coates said. “We strongly advise against allowing others to ride on machinery anywhere other than a seat. Every year in our Emergency Departments we treat several people who have fallen off farming equipment who were then run over or crushed by the machinery.

“These types of injuries tend to be some of the most severe farming injuries we see in this area. Sadly, these victims often die before making it to the hospital,” Dr. Coates reported.

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), roadway crashes that involve farm equipment are five times more likely to end with a fatality. However, proper signage, lights, and reflective safety strips can help farmers stay visible on rural roads.

Over half of the individuals who get trapped in a grain bin do not come out alive, according to NIOSH. Moving grain acts like “quicksand” and can bury and suffocate a person in less than 20 seconds. Farm workers are reminded to avoid entering a grain bin, and should never use their body to move grain accumulated on the side of the bins or try to dislodge it.

Earlier this summer two farm workers in Central New York died in a tragic manure tanker accident, in part due to exposure to gases present in the tank. According to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, manure can give off several gasses, including hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, methane, and ammonia. Hydrogen sulfide is the most dangerous of these gases because at high concentrations it causes unconsciousness, paralyzes the respiratory system, and leads to death by asphyxiation within minutes.

Wise Choices Around The Farm

To protect their health and well-being, farm workers should remember to wear sun-protective clothing, sunblock, and ensure they have access to a cool and shaded area for breaks. If they are feeling overheated, they are advised to cool off and hydrate before returning to work.    

“Heavy farm equipment should not be operated by anyone who is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or by someone who has not had the proper amount of sleep,” Dr. Coates said. “Not having enough sleep can impair critical thinking, decision-making, balance, and reaction time – which can result in serious injury.”

The teams at Canton-Potsdam, Gouverneur, and Massena hospitals celebrate their local farmers and wish them a safe harvest season. Should an emergency arise at any North Country farm, the St. Lawrence Region emergency and trauma teams are “Here for it.”

To learn more about St. Lawrence Region Emergency Medicine services, visit https://www.stlawrencehealthsystem.org/Services/Emergency. The Canton-Potsdam Hospital Emergency Department is a Level III Trauma Center, and a Certified Primary Stroke Center.