Abstract of article in the Journal of Agricultural Safety and Health, 5(1):73-81, February 1999

A Comparison of Agricultural Injuries Between the Young and Elderly: New York and Kentucky.* Kitty H. Gelberg,** Tim W. Struttmann,*** and Matthew A. London****

Injury cases from the New York and Kentucky Occupational Health Nurses in Agricultural Communities programs were examined for differences between those aged 18 to 59 and those greater than 59 years to identify and understand unique factors associated with the older farmer. Overall, the injuries sustained by the elderly were more severe than those in the younger age group. A significantly higher frequency of injuries caused by machines, especially tractors, and overexertion occurred in the older age group. The older population experienced more fatal injuries and injuries which resulted in hospitalizations than the younger population. Further research is needed about factors contributing to these injuries including physical limitations, economic issues and behavior.

*Presented, in part, at the Fourth International Symposium "Rural Health and Safety in a Changing World" held  October 18-22, 1998, in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

*The New York State and Kentucky, Occupational Health Nurses in Agricultural Communities programs were cooperative agreements between the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and the New York State Department of Health (No. CCU206033) and the Kentucky Department for Public Health (No. CCU406069).

**Chief, Epidemiology Section, New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Occupational Health, Flanigan Square, 547 River St., Rm. 230, Troy, NY 12180; telephone (518) 402-7900, fax (518) 402-7909, e‑mail khg0l@ health.state.ny.us

***Program Manager, Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center and the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY