Report Finds Farms Account for Nearly Half of State's Workplace Deaths

Wednesday, December 30, 2020 | 0

Farm jobs accounted for close to half of the 38 deaths at Montana workplaces recorded in 2019, according to a report by the Flathead Beacon.

Sixteen farmworkers died in 2019, accounting for 42% of all workplace fatalities.

Austin Grazier, director of agriculture safety for the Montana Farm Bureau, said the fatality rate wasn’t surprising because agricultural work is inherently risky. Grazier also said the report is a good reminder for farmers and ranchers to prioritize safety.

The 38 occupational fatalities in 2019 is on the high side of the 30 to 40 deaths that occur on average in Montana workplaces. The Beacon reports the lowest number of deaths — 28 — was reported in 2013, 2014 and 2018.

The report from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry is here.