Farm Safety in Texas: Preventing Tractor and Harvest Season Injuries

September marks the peak of harvest season in Texas. For many farmers, this is the most rewarding part of the year—long days of hard work finally paying off in crops and income. But it is also one of the most dangerous times to be in the fields. Heavy machinery, high-pressure deadlines, and grueling hours combine to create serious risks for farm workers.

The agricultural industry is consistently ranked among the most hazardous. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 573 agricultural workers nationwide lost their lives in 2019, and between 2021 and 2022, over 21,000 missed days of work due to serious injuries. With Texas leading the nation in farms and ranches, the risks here are especially real.

This blog looks at the most common farm-related injuries, when liability may apply, and the safety measures that can make harvest season safer for everyone.

Common Harvest Season Injuries in Texas

Farming injuries are often severe because of the size and power of the equipment involved. Tractors, combines, augers, and other heavy machines can all be deadly if something goes wrong.

Some of the most common harvest season injuries include:

• Tractor rollovers and crush injuries – the leading cause of fatalities on farms.

• Broken bones and fractures – often from falls, being struck by machinery, or entanglement.

• Burns – caused by fuel, electrical malfunctions, or equipment fires.

• Electrocution – from overhead powerlines or faulty wiring.

• Amputations – fingers, hands, or limbs caught in machinery.

• Spinal cord and brain injuries – from falls or rollovers.

• Heat stroke and heat exhaustion – long hours in the Texas sun increase the danger of heat-related illness.

• Hearing and vision loss – prolonged exposure to loud machinery and chemical hazards.

• Wrongful death – tragically, fatal accidents remain too common in agriculture.

These injuries don’t just affect the worker—they can change entire families’ lives in an instant.

When Does Liability Apply in Farm Accidents?

Not every farm accident is simply “part of the job.” Liability may apply when another party’s negligence contributed to the injury.

• Landowners or employers – may be liable for unsafe working conditions, failing to train workers, or ignoring known hazards.

• Equipment manufacturers – can be held responsible if defective machinery or missing safety features caused the injury.

• Contractors or maintenance providers – may share liability if they failed to properly service or repair equipment.

In Texas, injured workers or their families may have the right to pursue claims for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages when negligence can be proven to be the cause of their injury.

How to Prevent Farm Injuries During Harvest Season

The best defense is prevention. Many farming accidents are avoidable with proper preparation and caution:

• Training – Ensure all workers are fully trained on machinery operation and emergency procedures.

• Tractor safety – Install and use ROPS (rollover protective structures) and seatbelts to prevent rollover fatalities.

• Rest breaks – Schedule time out of the sun and encourage hydration to combat fatigue and heat exhaustion.

• Protective gear – Gloves, boots, goggles, and hearing protection help reduce injuries from sharp, hot, or loud equipment.

• Routine inspections – Check tractors, combines, and other equipment daily to catch problems before they cause accidents.

• Emergency planning – Farms are often far from medical facilities. Having a plan for first aid and emergency response can save lives.

These steps require less cost and effort than the devastating impact of a serious injury or fatality.

Farm Injury? Call Shaw.

Farming keeps Texas running, but no one should risk their life or health just to do their job. When negligence turns a season of hard work into a medical crisis, you have legal rights.

If you or a loved one has been injured while farming anywhere in Texas, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Ambulance Costs

• ER Treatment

• Surgeries

• Medical Bills

• Pain and Suffering

• Property Damage

• Missed Work

• Wrongful Death

• And More

We’ll help you find out if you have a case—for free.

Call Shaw today at 800-862-1260 or use the live chat to schedule your free case evaluation with one of our personal injury attorneys. No fees, no obligations, just expert legal advice when you need it most.

We look forward to serving you.

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See Also

• Texas Heat-Related Worker Injuries: What You Need to Know – Learn how heat illness affects workers across industries and what legal rights you have if unsafe conditions lead to injury.

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