Agriculture and Workers Compensation: A Complete Guide

Running an agricultural business can be stressful. Let us take something off your plate and help you navigate the world of work comp for your business!

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. The rate of injury is about 5 per 100 workers – nearly double the average for other industries. In 2020, agriculture employees incurred 45,900 nonfatal injuries and illnesses, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Common injuries in agriculture

Some of the most common agriculture related claims include:

Motor vehicle accidents

From ATVs to tractors, multiple types of vehicles and heavy machinery may be in operation at the same time on a farm. Frequent use of these machines account for almost half of all Missouri Employers Mutual‘s agriculture related claims.

Entanglements

Moving parts from heavy machinery can severely damage the body. Employees may get caught in, under or between machines while they are in use or not completely powered down during maintenance. These injuries account for over a quarter of all Missouri Employers Mutual‘s agriculture related claims.

Slips, trips, and falls

These injuries occur when employees fall from heights such as ladders, barns, and the top of machines. Employees face greater risk for slips, trips and falls while working on and between various surfaces such as soil, concrete, or metal.

Sprains and strains

The physical nature of agricultural tasks, lead to tremendous wear and tear and overexertion on the body from lifting, pushing, and pulling machines, animals, and other farm equipment.

Support employees’ mental health

Mental health is a crucial part of workplace safety for any organization. By supporting employees’ emotional wellness, your organization can improve job performance, boost productivity and reduce absenteeism. Learn how to create a culture of care with our collection of mental health resources.

Save on claim costs by putting safety first

Investing time and resources into safety now can provide a big return later. We’re committed to supporting agriculture businesses in keeping their employees safe. If your employees are injured at work, it’s important to get them the right level of care as quickly as possible. We partner with CorVel to provide policyholders a 24/7 work injury line.

Ready to take the next step to prevent injuries? Browse our free resources to avoid the top risks in your industry.