Risk Perceptions in Agricultural Aviation.

BACKGROUND: Agricultural aircraft operations are an integral part of the agricultural sector. According to the National Agriculture Aviation Association (NAAA), aerial applications are conducted in all 50 states of the U.S. and account for 28% of all treated cropland. A typical application operation consists of an operator (Part 137 certificate holder, permission to apply chemicals to agricultural crops) and one or more pilots. This article explores the risk perceptions of operators (pilots with a Part 137 certificate) and non-operators (pilots without a Part 137 certificate) using data from two industry surveys. METHODS: In an effort to explain the differences between risk perceptions of operators and non-operators, a series of regression analyses were conducted controlling for age, work experience, prior encounters with hazards and history of reported injuries. In addition to exploring the aggregated perceptions across all hazards, perceptions of specific hazards were also examined. RESULTS: Data indicate that non-operators perceive hazards as significantly more dangerous than operators. Power lines are perceived as the most hazardous, followed by communication towers and meteorological towers. The regression results indicate that risk perception differences remain even after controlling for differences in age, work experiences, prior hazard encounters and injuries between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity in risk perceptions within an organization can result in discrepancies over daily decision-making concerning operations. Further research is needed to identify the causal factors behind the observed differences.

Characterization of fatal occupational versus nonoccupational motor vehicle collisions in Kentucky (1998-2000).

Motor vehicle collisions (MVCs) are the leading cause of occupational fatalities in Kentucky as well as in the nation. The characteristics of and contributing factors for occupational versus nonoccupational MVC fatalities in the Commonwealth of Kentucky were examined from 1998 to 2000. Semi trucks were most frequently involved in fatal occupational MVCs, and passenger cars were most frequently involved in nonoccupational MVCs. More than half of the decedent drivers resided outside of Kentucky. The percentage of occupational fatalities occurring on a four-lane highway was double the percentage observed for nonoccupational MVC fatalities. In addition, an increased proportion of occupational MVC deaths occurred on limited access highways compared to nonoccupational fatalities. When human factors contributing to these fatal incidents were examined, the two primary human factors involved in occupational motor vehicle fatalities were driver distraction/inattention and falling asleep, whereas unsafe speed and alcohol were the primary human factors contributing to a nonoccupational fatality. These results suggest that semi drivers traveling on four-lane highways are more at risk for a fatal occupational injury in Kentucky. Therefore, additional epidemiological studies are needed to further examine human factors, the nature of the Kentucky highway system, and trucking controls (e.g., weigh station hours of operation) within the Kentucky transportation industry.

Injuries to tobacco farmers in Kentucky.

Like all types of farming, raising tobacco has many hazards that may lead to injury, disability, or death. Burley tobacco farming is a multistep process that is not highly mechanized. An 8-year emergency department surveillance system in Kentucky identified 674 injury cases related to the production of burley tobacco. Most of the injuries were a result of a fall, cutting and piercing instruments, or sprains and strains. More than 90% of the injured patients were treated as outpatients, and the average charge for emergency room services was $402 (range, $0 to $14,729). One quarter of the patients were uninsured. Injuries to Hispanic workers increased over the 8-year period. Estimated hospital charge per acre of tobacco produced ranged from $1.28 to $1.74. Low-cost interventions such as gloves and chaps could reduce the injuries incurred in burley tobacco farming.