Farm safety is important year round. But during the week of September 18th – 24th we recognize National Farm Safety & Health 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.
This year’s theme is “Farm Safety…A Legacy to be Proud of”. It reminds rural communities that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. and farm injuries and fatalities are preventable through education. The most recent data from the U.S. Department of Labor indicates that in 2014 farming accounted for 568 fatalities, with an estimated 70,000 injuries.
As we recognize National Farm Safety & Health Week this September, please join us in promoting safe and healthy practices on our farms and ranches as producers enter the harvest season.