Agricultural injuries in Ringkjøbing County

The aim of the study was to investigate agricultural injuries in Ringkjøbing County in the period 1.1-31.12.1992. At the five local hospitals, all persons treated after accidents on farms were registered prospectively and classified according to activity and injury severity (AIS-90). A total of 294 injured persons were registered. Of those, 257 (87%) accidents were due to working activities. Four persons (1%) were killed in the accident. The mean age was 42 years (2-81). Fractures were seen in 32% of the patients and open wounds in 21%. Only 6% had lesions with an AIS-score > 2, and only six patients (2%) had lesions with an AIS-score > 3. In spite of that, 30% were unable to work for more than four weeks because of the injury. An injury prevention programme towards agricultural injuries is therefore suggested.