U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that from 2001 to 2009, the injury rate for farm workers age 19 and younger has decreased by more than 60%. The report,
"2009 Injuries to Youth on Farms", says that the total injuries to these youths declined from 8,588 in 2001 to 3,191 in 2009. Data was collected from a telephone survey of about 50,000 farms sponsored by USDA's National Agriculture Statistics Service and NIOSH. The
Occupational Safety & Health Reporter says the USDA report may play a part in the discussion on proposed changes to child farm labor rule.
