LAUSR

ABSTRACT Purpose: All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are valuable assets on farms and ranches, but are associated with a growing proportion of U.S. agricultural work-related deaths and injuries. The objectives of this study were to investigate the experiences of private pesticide applicators in using ATVs for spraying and determine the mechanisms of injury and contributing factors associated with occupational deaths while spraying with ATVs. Methods: Participants of the Iowa 2015–2016 Private Pesticide Applicator Continuing Instruction Course were questioned about their use of ATVs for spraying and their crash experiences on their course evaluation forms. In addition, the Iowa Fatality Assessment & Control Evaluation (FACE) program database was utilized to identify occupational ATV sprayer-related deaths from 1996 to 2014. Descriptive analyses were performed. Results/Findings: A total of 6,344 private pesticide applicators completed the course and evaluation form. Nearly two-thirds (65%) reported having used an ATV for spraying herbicides. Of these, 8% had been in a crash while spraying with an ATV. All occupational ATV-related deaths in the FACE database from 1996 to 2014 (N = 29) were in agriculture. Over two-fifths of the fatalities involved a sprayer, with 10 occurring while spraying with an ATV. Of these ten deaths, eight were male, and one-half were 70 years-of-age and older. All crashes occurred during the day, but many victims were found hours after the event. All fatalities involved a rollover with the individual being pinned under the ATV resulting in compression asphyxia. Eight involved sloped terrain or a ditch, and in the other two the slope of the terrain was not known/recorded. None of the crashes were witnessed or known to involve alcohol. Practical Application: Spraying with ATVs appears to be a major risk factor for ATV-related occupational death. Older applicators may be at greater risk, and spraying on sloped terrain is a major contributing factor. Tanks mounted on the rear rack and the shifting of tank fluid likely cause changes in the center of mass, which are conducive to ATV rollover. Agricultural workers who utilize ATVs for spraying should be targeted for safety education. Courses required for pesticide application may be an important venue to impart this instruction.