Farming is more than just a job – it’s a way of life for many. However, the grueling hours, physical labor, and exposure to hazardous conditions associated with farm work make it one of the most dangerous professions in Florida. If you work for an employer and are injured on the job, there is a high likelihood you are covered by Florida’s workers’ compensation laws, which can be a saving grace to help get you back on your feet.

Common Causes and Contributing Factors of Farm Injuries

Agriculture of all stripes is known to be one of the most dangerous industries, and despite how much we all rely on it, there aren’t always proper protections in place for workers. Farm injuries stem from various causes, some more common than others. Examples of common injuries include:

Heavy Machinery Accidents

Tractor Rollovers: One of the leading causes of fatal farm injuries. Tractors can easily tip over on uneven terrain, causing severe injuries or death.
Equipment Malfunctions: Poorly maintained machinery can fail unexpectedly, with equally unexpected consequences.

Chemical Exposure During Farm Work

Pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides are essential for crop protection and growth but dangerous if mishandled. Prolonged exposure without the proper equipment can lead to acute poisoning, respiratory issues, skin conditions, and long-term health problems like cancer.

Physical Strain from Farm Work

Repetitive Movements: Tasks such as planting, harvesting, and lifting can cause musculoskeletal disorders over time, which are grouped into a category known as repetitive motion injuries.
Heavy Lifting: Constant lifting of heavy objects can cause back injuries and other physical, long-lasting strains. In contrast to damage to one’s body over time, one simple mistake while lifting a heavy object can cause immediate risks.

Animal-Related Injuries and Livestock Accidents

Animals can be unpredictable. Kicks, bites, or trampling by livestock like cows, horses, and pigs can cause serious injuries. Employers may be on the hook if they force workers to interact with animals without proper training.

Environmental Conditions Doing Farm Work

Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in barns and storage areas can lead to trips and falls.
Extreme Weather: Heat stress is a well-known risk to anyone working outside in Florida. Farm workers, often in areas without access to nearby shade, risk their lives if they push themselves too hard without cooling down.

Inadequate Training and Safety Measures

Lack of Training: Insufficient instruction on operating machinery, handling chemicals, and managing livestock can lead to preventable accidents.
Protective Gear: Employers’ failure to provide appropriate protective gear, such as gloves, masks, and helmets, leaves workers vulnerable to injuries and illnesses that could have been prevented.

Florida Workers’ Compensation Act

The Florida Workers’ Compensation Act is designed to support injured workers without the need to prove fault. This means that if you are injured while working on a farm, you are entitled to benefits regardless of where the blame lies for the accident. Benefits include coverage for lost wages, medical expenses, lump-sum payments based on the severity of the injury, and vocational training if you’re unable to return to your previous job – all extremely useful if an injury prevents you from quickly returning to your work.

To maximize your chances of successfully filing and securing benefits that truly cover your injuries, working with an experienced workers’ comp attorney is highly recommended. Many workers fear that their employer won’t carry workers’ comp insurance or that they won’t qualify to receive benefits. We understand that the immediate aftermath of an injury is one of the most stressful times in your life, and we are prepared to guide you through the process after learning more about your situation. Call Probinsky and Cole for a free consultation – we will provide detailed guidance on your case and eliminate any worries you may have.