Farm injuries and fatalities in British Columbia, 1990-2000.

Background: Farming is considered to be one of the most dangerous occupations in Canada and internationally, as it often involves work in a high-risk environment due to exposure to such hazards as machinery, large animals and noxious chemicals. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence and nature of farm-related deaths and injuries on British Columbian farms from 1990-2000, with reference to Canadian averages.

Methods: British Columbian farm fatalities and farm injury hospitalizations data from Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program for 1990-2000 were analyzed in conjunction with the 1996 and 2001 Canada Census of Agriculture.