The following factors may increase risk of injury or illness for farm workers:

• Age: Injury rates are highest among children age 15 and under and adults over 65.

• Equipment and machinery: Most farm accidents and fatalities involve machinery. Proper machine guarding and doing equipment maintenance according to manufacturers’ recommendations can help prevent accidents.

• Protective equipment: Using protective equipment, such as seat belts on tractors, and

personal protective equipment (such as safety gloves, coveralls, boots, hats, aprons, goggles, face shields) could significantly reduce farming injuries.

• Medical care: Hospitals and emergency medical care are typically not readily accessible in rural areas near farms.