The people of Turlock and the Central Valley take great pride in growing and processing food that travels to every corner of the nation. The farming industry is a foundation of the local economy.
The hard-working farmers and farmhands rise early and stay late to keep the supply lines flowing. They put in a lot of sweat to make sure California’s vital natural resources aren’t wasted. It’s important to think of those workers as an important resource too.
They push their bodies to extremes to keep a farm in operation. They also work with some of the most dangerous machinery in any occupation. When an accident happens it’s crucial to support the worker who was hurt and ensure their proper recovery.
Daily Hazards on the Farm
Every day around 100 agricultural workers suffer a lost-work-time injury. That’s according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health numbers. The NIOSH also reports the sad statistic that in 2017 416 farm workers died from a work-related injury. The number works out to over 20 deaths per 100,000 workers.
Common Injuries in Agricultural Work
Transportation incidents including tractor overturn are the leading cause of death for workers. A push for rollover protection systems has improved safety but many older tractors are still not equipped with this basic protection. Here are some other accidents common on farms:
- Falls – Farm work has some surprising heights involved. Picking crops in a tree, working atop a silo, or even barn slip and falls can cause severe injury.
- Exposure to chemicals – Pesticides and fertilizer are just some of the hazardous materials workers must handle or breathe.
- Injuries from Equipment– Workers can be run over. Limbs can become entangled in gears and blades.
- Temperature Exposure – Heat and extreme cold can take its toll on a body during an extended workday.
- Animal Hazards – Workers can by trampled by livestock. Workers can also be kicked and knocked to the ground.
Determining Fault in Farming Accidents
When you are injured in a farming accident your first thought may not be about labor laws. But the topic will soon be important as you consider your recovery and how to cover medical costs. Even your means of supporting your family is in jeopardy.
California Farm Labor Laws outline the rights of farmworkers and the responsibilities of employers. Farm owners and farm equipment manufacturers are responsible for providing safe environments and equipment for workers. Investigations are necessary to determine liability in farm accidents, so it’s important to quickly determine your next move.
Contact a Turlock Farm Accident Lawyer.
You are possibly facing a long recovery from your injuries. You’ll need an attorney with experience in all types of farm-related injury cases to help you determine who was a fault. You can lose time from work and incur thousands in medical bills. An attorney with expertise in dealing with medical service providers and insurance companies can help you get your life back on track and secure your family’s future.
After an accident involving a serious injury in the Central Valley, contact attorney Martin Gasparian for a free consultation and case evaluation. Mr. Gasparian takes a hands-on approach to every case. He believes that every client should work directly with their lawyer, get honest advice, and personalized attention to detail their case deserves.
