“Don't learn safety by accident” is the theme of this year's weeklong observance reinforcing that all workplace incidents are preventable and recognizing the contributions of America’s farmers, ranchers and farmworkers ahead of harvest.
Since 1944 each sitting president has made the historic proclamation initiated by the National Safety Council and led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety.
“Our nation’s farms are a source of prosperity, but working on them can be exhausting and hazardous,” President Joe Biden said in the proclamation. “The agriculture sector is one of America’s most dangerous industries,” he added, not just for farmers operating heavy machinery but for farmworkers who have to labor in intense heat.
Agriculture remains the country’s most dangerous occupation, accounting for about 417 casualties annually, according to 2022 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Fall harvest can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons for workers.
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The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety and Agri-Safe are hosting free webinars throughout the week focusing on actions farm families, ag businesses and industry organizations can take to support those producing America’s food, fiber and fuel.
Each day has a theme: Monday was equipment and rural roadway safety, Tuesday was health and wellness, Wednesday is focused on talking about farming across generations, Thursday is directed at safety in confined spaces like grain bins and manure pits, and Friday’s theme is reporting ag injuries.
"I call upon the people of the United States — including America’s farmers; ranchers; and agriculture-related institutions, organizations, and businesses — to reaffirm a dedication to farm safety and health," Biden said in the proclamation. "I also urge all Americans to express appreciation and gratitude to our farmers, farmworkers and ranchers for their tireless service to our nation."
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