There is no question that agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in the nation. The agricultural or agri-industry workplace is unique among workplaces in America. Several factors combine to compound the effect of agricultural hazards. Unlike general industry, whose structure has allowed the reduction of worker injury rates over the past few decades through easy access to technical and managerial resources and the exercise of management control over a relatively large, concentrated group of workers at one location, each farm, ranch, or agri-business is relatively small and geographically separated from one another, where workers often work alone or in small groups frequently isolated from supervision.
Agriculture also has a unique work force.
Although many large farms and agri-businesses do exist, agriculture is still largely a family or small business operation. In no other workplace do wives, children, and the elderly get involved in the operation of complex mechanical equipment associated with such severe injury potential as in agricultural operations. Further, the hired work force on farm and in agri-industry is often migratory, unskilled, and has a relatively low level of formal education. Compared to general industry, this labor force is relatively inexperienced and untrained in the recognition and control of hazards. A foundry in Georgia looks and operates the same as a foundry in California.