The harvest season is approaching in Indiana, and it can be a dangerous time for farmers and agricultural workers. Data from the Indiana Department of Labor says that one in five workplace injuries in our state occurs in the agriculture industry, and a majority of injuries involve heavy equipment and machinery.
The Indiana farm equipment injury lawyers at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys say that a recent accident claimed the life of a 34-year-old farm worker, highlighting the risks workers in the agriculture industry face. Reports indicate the incident occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 1.
WISHTV 8 News states the victim was pulling a mowing device behind a tractor when the piece of machinery overturned on top of the victim. When Indiana State Police and the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department responded to the scene, they found the victim pinned beneath the tractor. Attempts were made to save the victim’s life, but he was declared dead at the scene of the accident.
The Indianapolis personal injury lawyers at Stewart & Stewart Attorneys would like to send our deepest sympathies to the family of the victim.
We also hope the incident can serve as a reminder to others in the agriculture industry to always keep safety a priority while working. Here’s a few things you can do to prevent on-the-job accidents:
- Follow Safety Policies and Procedures– Most companies provide workers with instructions and guidance on how to safely perform job duties. Obeying these protocols will significantly reduce your chances of suffering an on-the-job injury.
- Use Safety Equipment– Specialized safety devices are often necessary to reduce the chances of injury when performing dangerous job duties. Always use these devices.
- Report Problems– If you notice something that could be a workplace danger, address the issue with your supervisor.
- Create a Culture of Accountability– Hold other workers accountable for keeping safety in mind on the job and ask that they do the same with you.