Abstract

&NA; Like all types of farming, raising tobacco has many hazards that may lead to injury, disability, or death. Burley tobacco farming is a multistep process that is not highly mechanized. An 8‐year emergency department surveillance system in Kentucky identified 674 injury cases related to the production of burley tobacco. Most of the injuries were a result of a fall, cutting and piercing instruments, or sprains and strains. More than 90% of the injured patients were treated as outpatients, and the average charge for emergency room services was $402 (range, $0 to $14,729). One quarter of the patients were uninsured. Injuries to Hispanic workers increased over the 8‐year period. Estimated hospital charge per acre of tobacco produced ranged from $1.28 to $1.74. Low‐cost interventions such as gloves and chaps could reduce the injuries incurred in burley tobacco farming.