Preparing For Farm Safety Week

Agriculture, which has high rates of fatalities and serious injuries, ranks among the most dangerous professions in the United States. Training farmers, ranchers, and tree farmers to operate machinery safely and use protective equipment correctly can help reduce the high number of accidents.

The well-being of our nation’s farmers and agricultural workers is vital to strong communities and the U.S. economy.  Safety training gives farm families the awareness and information they need to reduce safety hazards and protect their children who often work on the farm.

Next week, September 15-21, 2019 is National Farm Safety Week.

Each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety & Health Week. This recognition has been an annual promotion initiated by the National Safety Council and has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. President since Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first document.

The 2019 theme for National Farm Safety & Health Week is “Shift Farm Safety into High Gear”.

The theme “Shift Farm Safety into High Gear” is one that resonates and reminds us that it is everyone’s responsibility to prioritize safety on the farm and the rural roadways of America. The 2017 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 581 fatalities, which equals 23.0 deaths per 100,000 workers.

As we recognize National Farm Safety & Health Week next week, please join us in promoting safe and healthy practices on farms around the tri-state.  We will write a blog each day next week covering the daily theme. Feel free to share next week’s blogs to promote this iconic week. Safety starts with you – help spread safety tips and prevention procedures.

Superior Ag’s Daily Themes for Farm Safety Week:

• Monday, September 16, 2019 – Rural Roadway Safety
• Tuesday, September 17, 2019 – Farmer Health & Safety Prevention
• Wednesday, September 18, 2019 – Animal Safety for Youth
• Thursday, September 19, 2019 – Manure Lagoon/Pit Safety Procedures
• Friday, September 20, 2019 – Anhydrous Ammonia Safety