Responding to a spate of injuries in the farming industry, the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) is urging safety and health professionals to help keep agriculture workers safer on the job.

Farm-related injuries rose by 11 percent last year, to a total of 651 deaths. The increase was led by deaths in crop production. Most farm-related traumatic injuries are caused by machinery, followed by tractor accidents. More than 240 agricultural workers suffer lost-time injuries every day, with about 5 percent of these resulting in permanent impairment.

Because most farms do not fall under OSHA regulations, ASSE is also urging agriculture employers to properly train all workers, especially children. The society has a new Agricultural Branch, which provides a forum for EHS professionals to discuss topics and share best practices.