National Farm Safety & Health Week
September 17-23
07/24/2006

Since 1944, when President Franklin D. Roosevelt recognized the hazards of farm work and made the first presidential proclamation enacting National Farm Safety and Health Week, it’s been celebrated every year. This year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 17-23.

The agricultural industry is one of the most dangerous. In 2000, it claimed more lives than any other industry, with 22.5 deaths per 100,000 people, according to the National Safety Council.

But proper use of the safety devices that come with farm equipment can reduce the number of injuries and deaths that occur each year because of farm accidents, advises the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.

Follow these tips for safer farm work:
• All tractors should be equipped with a roll-over protective structure, which can save 350 lives each year.

• Don’t let another person hitch a ride on the tractor. Most are designed for one passenger, and a twoperson fall could be deadly.

• Acquire a Slow Moving Vehicle emblem for your tractor if you will take it on the highway. It alerts motorists that you won’t be going more than 25 miles per hour.

• Equip your tractor with a bypass starter cover, which could prevent the tractor from jumping forward and injuring operators while they jump-start the battery.

• Wear protective equipment for all farm work, especially when using power tools. Safety goggles, dust masks, face shields and hearing protection should be easy for anyone on the farm to find.

• Keep power tools in good condition and check the cords and plugs for wear before using.

• Power tools should be properly grounded or double insulated. Do not remove the third prong on a plug to make it fit into the socket, as the prong serves to prevent deadly shock. Instead, call an electrician to update your sockets.

• Don’t leave children unsupervised or give them chores they can’t safely handle. Stress the importance of safety.

• Organize a farm safety day on your farm for the community’s children. Plan games and activities that teach about safety.

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