Farm Worker Crushed in ATV Rollover During Herbicide Application on a Hillside – Oregon

Oregon Case Report: 20OR002
Release Date: March 16, 2020

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

On March 16th, 2020, a 41-year-old Hispanic female vineyard technician was killed when the sprayer system equipped all-terrain vehicle (ATV) she was operating rolled over and pinned her underneath. The decedent was part of a small crew, but working by herself applying agricultural chemicals to the lower half of the vineyard, out of sight of co-workers. Co-workers became concerned when she did not return when expected and went to look for her shortly before 3:00pm. They found the decedent underneath the ATV and removed the vehicle to attempt CPR. Emergency responders arrived and pronounced the decedent dead at the scene. There were no witnesses of the rollover event. Blunt force trauma was ruled as the cause of death.

Farm Worker Crushed in ATV Rollover During Herbicide Application on a Hillside – Oregon [PDF 2,190 KB]