Farm work-related deaths increase in Virginia

RICHMOND - The Virginia Farm Bureau says farm work-related deaths in the state doubled last year compared to the year before.

The organization says 22 people died in farm work-related accidents in 2007, compared to 11 in 2006.

Three fatalities last year resulted from tractor overturns, four from tractor and equipment runovers, three while people drove farm equipment on public roads and five as a result of other tractor or equipment incidents.

Seven deaths were caused by exposure to deadly gases from a manure pit, electrocution and a tree-cutting accident.

Virginia Farm Bureau safety staff have kept unofficial records of farm fatalities and injuries occurring in the state since 1994.