Take the Pledge for Ag Safety
Safety in agriculture takes a lifestyle commitment.
In 2013, the U.S. Department of Labor found farming accounted for 500 fatalities, or 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers. It is well-known that agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States, but the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) asserts many ag-related deaths can be prevented through education.
That is why since 1944 the third week in September has been dedicated as National Farm Safety & Health Week. This year’s theme for Safety Week (Sept. 20-26) is “Ag safety is not just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle.” NECAS invites all farmers and ranchers to join in and promote safe and healthy practices on their farms and ranches.
To encourage everyone involved in agriculture to play a role in making the farm or ranch a safety-centered environment, the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) has launched an Ag Safety Pledge Campaign.
The Pledge, which opened Aug. 1 and continues through the end of September, includes a list of 11 safety reminders that can be followed to make ag safety part of one’s lifestyle. Participants pledge to:
- Wash hands after handling animals or leaving animal facilities.
- Apply sunscreen when going outside, even on cloudy days.
- Be calm and patient when handling livestock.
- Use proper technique to avoid accidental needle sticks.
- Wear proper ear protection when working around large equipment or machinery.
- Adopt a “no riders” policy (in tractors and other farm equipment).
- Keep floors and walkways clear of obstacles and hazards.
- Encourage friends, family and employees to follow safe and healthy farm practices.
- Speak up if you see someone doing something unsafe.
- Print and hang pledge poster.
- Share pledge with others: Tweet @umash_umn using #FSHWPledge.
Those who sign the pledge may request to receive a personalized certificate showing participation.
In addition to the pledge, NECAS at Northeast Iowa Community College’s Peosta campus will be sponsoring webinars in observance of National Farm Safety & Health Week.
The webinars are offered each day at noon CST and cover the following themes:
- Monday — rural roadway;
- Tuesday — health;
- Wednesday — children’s topics;
- Thursday — confined spaces in agriculture; and
- Friday — tractor safety.
NECAS also invites everyone to join in for “Ag Chat” on Twitter Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 7-9 pm CST.
As producers enter the harvest season, NECAS reminds everyone to practice safety around livestock and farm equipment.
