The objective of this study was to estimate the societal economic burden associated with work-related ATV fatalities among civilian persons more than 17 years of age in the U.S. from 2003 through 2006. ATV death data were obtained from the Bureau of Labor Statistics' annual Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries. Costs were estimated using a model employing a cost-of-illness method developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. From 2003 to 2006, a total of 129 work-related ATV deaths occurred among persons more than 17 years of age in the U.S., nearly doubling from 20 deaths in 2003 to 39 deaths in 2006. The collective lifetime cost of the deaths was $103.6 million (M), with a four-year mean of $803,100 and a four-year median of $772,100. Decedents age 35 to 54 years accounted for one-third of the deaths (n = 41) at a cost of $50.1 M. Montana had the most deaths (13). Fifty-two percent of the deaths were overturns costing $48.3 M. Eighty-four (65%) of the deaths were workers in agricultural production at a cost of $62.3 M. Short-term investment in prevention measures, such as training and helmets for workers, could provide lasting dividends by preventing work-related ATV deaths and reducing their economic impact. (Author/publisher)
Abstract