Implications of Risk Perceptions and Social Influences on Safety Programming for Senior Farmers Agricultural Safety and Health Detection, Prevention and Intervention Conference, Columbus, OH Implications of Risk Perceptions and Social Influences on Safety Programming for Senior Farmers S.D. Whitman Agricultural injury and fatality data collected over the last 25 years have shown a growing proportion of the cases involving senior farmers and agricultural workers. Data indicate that approximately one-third of all farm fatalities involve a person over 60 years of age.
Farm tractors are the most commonly reported causal agent for fatalities in the population.
Evidence also indicates older farmers often do not recognize, or do not acknowledge, that they are susceptible to serious injury. The study found that senior farmers' ratings of tractor-related risks, though significantly higher than their younger counterparts, reflected perceptions that tractors were only moderately risky in elation to other farm hazards. It was found that senior farmers' safety beliefs are influenced by news accounts and personal stories of farm injuries and fatalities, particularly when conveyed through highly used media such as farm magazines. The survey showed seniors farmers most often use farm magazines, exhibits, and interpersonal networks to obtain information about safety. The findings of this study indicate safety communication programs designed for senior farm tractor operators should utilize farm publications, peer networks, and family members in delivering safety messages that address farmers' perceptions of susceptibility to common tractor-related hazards, and encourage the use of ROPS and other safety devices.