Livestock the ‘leading cause’ of serious facial injury on farms - study
Animals are the leading cause of major facial injuries on farms, with older men more affected, a five-year study at St James’s Hospital has found.
This study was conducted at the National Maxillofacial Unit at the hospital, which saw over 1,500 patients in its trauma clinic in 2024 alone.
The study, titled 'Farm-related maxillofacial injuries - a five-year review', identified 63 eligible patients with facial fractures resulting from farm-related activities between 2020 and 2025.
A total of 79 facial fractures were recorded among these patients. According to the findings, males (89%) were more likely to suffer a maxillofacial - i.e. major facial - injury than females (11%).
In addition, animal-related trauma was shown to be the most common mechanism (63%), followed by machinery (17%), falls (10%), and being struck with an obstacle (10%). The incidence of head injury was 10%.
Dr. Min Seo Jung, senior house officer at St. James's oral and maxillofacial surgery department said: “Farm-related facial injuries predominantly affect older male farmers, with men accounting for 89% of cases, and 73% occurring in those over 40 years-of-age.
“Livestock-related trauma is the leading cause (63%) - most commonly involving cattle - and typically results in midface fractures (78%), with almost one-third of patients requiring surgery, reflecting the severity of these injuries.
“Associated injuries were common, including traumatic brain injury in 10% of cases.
"Injuries peak during late summer and autumn, coinciding with periods of increased farm activity," Dr. Seo Jung continued.
High risk
The study said: “Farm-related activities carry a high risk of maxillofacial injury. Future work should focus on methods to mitigate injury, through legislation, education and proactive safety measures.
“The inherent nature of agricultural work, which frequently involves close interaction with large animals, the operation of heavy machinery, and exposure to unpredictable environments, places farm workers and their families at considerable risk for occupational injuries.
“Maxillofacial injuries are a concern in this context, with available studies reporting a significantly elevated risk among agricultural workers, with reports of a 127-fold increased incidence of maxillofacial fractures in this population compared to service and office workers.”
The number of farm-related major facial injuries referred over the study period between 2020 and 2025 remained consistent.
Injuries were most likely to occur in the autumn period (30%), with August having the highest number of injuries (14%). This was followed by spring and winter, together accounting for 25% of total cases.
Dr. Seo Jung said: “Targeted safety training, improved livestock handling practices and seasonal prevention campaigns could substantially reduce risk.”
According to the study: "The majority of farm-related injuries are avoidable, and ongoing and future public health efforts are necessary to educate individuals about the risks of this occupation."
It suggested carrying regular inspections to maintain safety standards and workplace conditions, placing age restrictions on operating machinery, and enforcing compulsory safety training modules.
"Ultimately, reducing farm-related injuries requires proactive safety design, training and education, and policy support," the study said.
"Combining practical engineering with education and accountability can significantly cut down incidents."
