The Economic Cost of Farm Tractor Rollover Deaths in New York

Abstract

Farm tractor rollovers account for one quarter of all fatal farm injuries, but their economic impact has not been studied previously. This study surveyed surviving family members of people killed between 1985 and 1987 in New York farm tractor rollovers and found the average expected income lost by each death was $243,615 (response rate=46%, N=12). Fatal farm tractor rollovers may cost New York more than $2 million a year in lost income. Nonfarmers account for 33 percent of these rollover deaths. These nonfarmers were not on a farm and were not doing farm work at the time of the fatal inju y. Policy responses to the dangers of farm tractors should consider the risks to nonfarmers and should be cognizant of the costs that could be averted.

Hospital costs associated with agricultural machinery injuries in Ontario

“…Studies known to our group include Kelsey [1991], who estimated the total income foregone in New York State due to fatal farm accidents at $8.6 million annually. In a separately published study, he calculated average annual income lost due to tractor rollovers in New York at more than $ 2 million [Kelsey, 1992]. Agger et al [1986] showed the relatively high costs of treating secondary infections in wounds caused by corn-harvesting machines.…”