5 Common Farm Accidents and How to Avoid Them
Kansas is often referred to as “America’s Heartland,” and a big reason why is the large number of farms in the state. According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture (KDA), the Wheat State has more than 58,000 farms spanning more than 45-million acres of land, roughly 87.5% of Kansas. With so many farms comes a high risk of farm accidents. To help you, your family, and your coworkers stay safe, the Kansas farm accident lawyers at Patterson Legal Group go over common farm accidents so that you can avoid them.
Farm Accidents Our Kansas Injury Lawyers Have Encountered
Patterson Legal Group has been helping accident victims in Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma for more than 25 years. Our team of experienced trial lawyers has dealt with many people who have been injured while working on or visiting a farm. Here are some of the most common farm accidents our clients have been in.
Overturns and Rollovers
Farms are full of motorized vehicles, such as tractors and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs). While these vehicles are quite functional, many people make the mistake of driving them as they would an automobile. This can be a massive mistake, since they are balanced differently from consumer cars and do not have an automobile’s safety features. The unusual balance and handling can lead to rollover accidents and overturns.
UTVs and tractors have a very specific function and are not meant to be driven like a car. Doing so increases the risk of a catastrophic injury caused by flipping over heavy machinery. Be sure to mind your speed when operating a tractor or UTV to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Farmland tends to be rough and uneven. If you’re not wearing appropriate footwear and watching where you step, then you may suffer a slip-and-fall injury. Additionally, many farms are full of ladders and silos that require people to work several feet above the ground. A simple slip or misstep could lead to broken bones and soft tissue injuries.
While most people want to finish their work as quickly as possible, it’s important to take your time on a farm. Being mindful while you’re walking around a farm and climbing ladders can help you avoid serious injuries.
Related Content: A View on Farm Injuries From a Lawyer That Grew Up on a Farm
Burn Injuries
Farms are filled with gasoline-powered equipment and vehicles. Additionally, they’re often filled with highly flammable objects, such as hay, wheat, and certain chemicals. This can be a disastrous combination that puts you at risk of a burn injury.
If you’re a farm owner, our Kansas farm accidents attorney recommends making sure that you have a sufficient amount of fire extinguishers on site. Be sure to inspect them regularly and replace them as needed. If you work on a farm, make sure that your employer keeps flammable liquids a safe distance from flammable objects.
Grain Bin and Silo Suffocation
Many farms have silos for storing grain and other materials. If a silo is malfunctioning or damaged, then a person may be flooded by grain, depriving them of oxygen. Depending on the length of suffocation, a person may suffer from brain damage or wrongful death.
To make sure a silo or grain bin is safe, it must be monitored and inspected regularly. In addition to making sure that the structure itself is mechanically sound, oxygen levels may need to be monitored, depending on what’s being stored. Uneven dispersion and gas buildup may cause a lethal grain flood.
Chemical Poisoning
Farms typically make extensive use of pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals to protect and enhance crops. While many of these products are safe, some can be lethal if inhaled for an extended period of time or if they make contact with skin. Some herbicides, such as Roundup and Paraquat, have been linked with cancer and Parkinson’s disease.
Be sure to wear proper clothing and safety equipment when using or working near these chemical solutions. Long sleeves, gloves, and boots can help prevent skin contact, while breathing masks can help protect your lungs.
Contact a Kansas Farm Injury Attorney
The Kansas farm accidents lawyers at Patterson Legal Group hope that this blog has given you a better understanding of the different types of hazards on a farm. If you’ve been injured on a farm and believe that it was the fault of another party, then contact us to explore your legal options.
You can reach Patterson Legal Group by phone at (888) 687-2400 and online through our secure contact form or connecting with our LiveChat agents. Our team of experienced and accomplished personal injury lawyers has recovered more than $250-million in settlements for thousands of injury victims. For an unmatched combination of high-level legal service and stellar customer care, contact Patterson Legal Group today.
