Injury and human reliability analysis of agricultural implements

Raza, Mian Muhammad Sajid

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129753 Copy

Description

Title

Injury and human reliability analysis of agricultural implements

Author(s)

Raza, Mian Muhammad Sajid

Issue Date

2025-05-02

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Issa, Salah F.

Doctoral Committee Chair(s)

Issa, Salah F.

Committee Member(s)

• Grift, Tony E
• Mohaghegh, Zahra
• Dill, Brian

Department of Study

Engineering Administration

Discipline

Agricultural & Biological Engr

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Degree Level

Dissertation

Keyword(s)

• Farm machine injuries
• health and safety
• farm workers
• occupational injuries in agriculture
• farm equipment injuries
• human reliability analysis
• safe design

Abstract

Pakistan, an agricultural economy, relies heavily on key crops that cover approximately 40% of the country's land area. While agricultural advancement is crucial for food security and sustainability, it has also led to the growing incidence of machinery-related injuries among farmers. These injuries, often caused by inadequate safety regulations and limited access to medical resources, result in long-term disabilities and significant societal losses. Most of the reported injury data come from hospital-based data reporting that machinery-related injuries constitute a major portion of agricultural trauma cases, with fodder cutters being the leading cause. A global analysis of farm machinery-related injuries supports these findings that developing countries experience significantly higher fatality rates due to poor safety measures and a lack of formal training, with limb amputations and crush injuries being most common. To contextualize these findings locally, this study aims to investigate the underlying causes of agricultural injuries, emphasizing the fodder cutter, and provide solutions to address these safety concerns. Research objectives include the survey of farm equipment-related injuries across Pakistan through orthopedic & emergency departments to determine the top sources of agricultural machine injuries and assess trends associated with agricultural machine injuries. Conduct a survey of fodder cutter injuries among farmers in one of the union councils (Muzaffargarh), Pakistan, to determine injury rates. Utilize a human reliability analysis to estimate human error probabilities and propose safe-by-design to enhance fodder cutter safety. Results from the five-year longitudinal analysis of hospital records indicate that fodder cutters are one of the top sources of agricultural injuries, and there is a current upward trend in injuries, particularly among male farmers aged 20–45. To gain direct insights from farmers, a survey of 75 individuals in Punjab (Muzaffargarh) was conducted. Over 70% have never received formal safety training, relying instead on generational knowledge. More than 30% of respondents (or their households), experienced a fodder cutter injury. All except one of those injuries were amputations. A Human Reliability Analysis (HRA) conducted using this data identifies fodder cutters as the most hazardous machinery, with a significantly higher injury probability per operational hour compared to other equipment. To mitigate these risks, a "safe-by-design" intervention was tested, integrating safety guards into fodder cutters. A critical component of this research is the recognition that safety practices are not universally applicable and must be adapted to local socio-cultural contexts. Cultural perceptions of risk, traditional agricultural practices, and resource constraints play a pivotal role in shaping safety behaviors. Many farmers rely on generational knowledge and informal training, which may not emphasize modern safety measures. Additionally, hierarchical workplace structures and deference to authority can influence the adoption of safety interventions. By integrating cultural safety considerations, this study acknowledges the need for context-sensitive safety solutions that align with local beliefs and practices. By addressing these factors, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of fodder cutter injuries and contributes to the development of targeted, culturally relevant safety interventions. Ultimately, this research aims to reduce the burden of machinery-related injuries and improve occupational safety standards in Pakistan’s agricultural sector.

Graduation Semester

2025-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/129753

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2025 Mian Muhammad Sajid Raza

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