Madison,
18
September
2017
|
07:24 AM
America/Chicago

National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 17-23

Putting Farm Safety into Practice

Summary

The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety sets aside the third week of September each year to remind everyone about the importance of farm safety.

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National Farm Safety & Health Week, Sept. 17-23, is a time to remind farmers to educate and discuss with family members and workers about safety, and incorporate and promote smart safety practices on the farm. 

This year’s theme, ‘Putting Farm Safety into Practice,' reminds farmers that although agriculture is a very rewarding profession, it’s also among the most dangerous occupations. Using good safety practices are important for the well-being of farmers and workers, and also for running a successful operation.

The new data for the Department of Labor shows the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 570 fatalities, which equals 22.8 deaths per 100,000 workers. When combining all labor sectors the death rate was 3.4%. It's highly likely every farmer knows someone who has been injured or killed in a farm-related accident.

Among the many safety measures farmers can take: Wearing protective clothing (and avoiding loose-fitting apparel) and hearing and eye protection and mouth masks; using wheel blocks when unhitching wagons and carts; supervising children; refraining from cell phone use when operating machinery or driving; using safety measures in grain bins; staying hydrated and taking periodic rests in the shade; disengaging power before getting off tractors; and using caution around power lines when operating equipment.

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, American Family Insurance encourages all farm families and workers to look around and evaluate potential hazards as prevention starts with awareness and education. Then make sure everyone adheres to safety procedures.

Each year since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. This recognition is an annual promotion initiated by the National Center for Agricultural Safety.

See more from the National Center for Agricultural Safety.

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