Illinois is farm country. Local communities and their residents rely on agriculture, which benefits everyone – near and far.
However, there is inherent risk with farm work. Accidents are common. Many are related to automobiles and equipment. For example, there are farm vehicles that are on the road. Drivers sharing the road with them need to be vigilant to avoid a crash.
Unfortunately, farm accidents happen frequently. People who have been hurt or lost a loved one in a fatal collision need to know how it will impact them and take the necessary steps to make a full recovery.
Harvest season is busy, and accidents are prevalent
With the potential for farm accidents, Illinois dedicated a week in September to safety. Farm Safety and Health Week encouraged farmers and people who need to share the road with their vehicles to focus on safety and avoid life-changing accidents.
Several entities took part and joined forces including the state’s Department of Labor, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Agriculture. Each day during that week focused on a different area of farming and the possibility of accidents. They included working with farm equipment, safety on the road, workers’ health, a history of farming, working in confined areas, and reporting injuries as they happen.
Statistics show the danger of agricultural work
The attempt to educate people on the dangers with agricultural work is important and is not done randomly. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says that there are over 500 deaths each year in the agricultural sector. Leading the way are road accidents, people being involved in a confined space accident, and tractor rollovers.
Many road crashes happen because people are not paying attention or do not see the farm vehicles before it is too late. Drivers try to pass them or speed and do not see them before a collision occurs.
Accidents can happen year-round, but during harvest season when farmers are busier and their workers are trying to complete their tasks, the potential for crashes is exacerbated. Tractors flipping over is a problem and it does not stem from a lack of experience in handling these vehicles. Statistics say that 80% occur with experienced farm workers.
Those injured in farm accidents need help that understands their plight
When a person has been injured in a farm accident or when operating a farm vehicle, they will be worried about their livelihood and the medical expenses that accrue. Since these types of accidents are so unique, having assistance that understands how to investigate the circumstances is key.
Empathy, care and professionalism are crucial in these cases. That means local and experienced help is a fundamental part of a successful case. Consulting with those who have a history of assisting people in these types of accidents and can recover the maximum amount for all they have lost is imperative from the start.