Safety is a priority on Texas farms and ranches, and additional emphasis is being placed on farm safety and health this week.

This year’s National Farm Safety and Health Week is set for Sept. 15-21. The theme is “Shift Farm Safety into High Gear.”

The annual promotion, which is initiated by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, aims to keep those in agriculture safe and healthy by helping them recognize common dangers to physical and mental health.

A different safety focus will be highlighted each day of the week, including:

Monday, Sept. 16
Understanding the Tractor Factor (Noon CDT)
Presenter: Aaron Yoder, Ph.D.

Ergonomic Safety for Farm Women (2:00 p.m. CDT)
Presenter: Charlotte Halverson, RN, BSN, COHN-S

Tuesday, Sept. 17
A Research Update from the Agricultural Health Study: Recent Findings, Current Work, and Future Plans (Noon CDT)
Presenter: Christine G. Parks, Ph.D.

Safety Sensitivity of Opioid Use in High Hazardous Industries (2:00 p.m. CDT)
Presenters: Heather Lyons-Burney, Pharm.D.; Ann Marie Butler Kemp, MD; Charlotte Halverson, RN, BSN, COHN-S

Wednesday, Sept. 18
Safeguarding Children and Youth who Live, Work and Play on Farms and Ranches (Noon CDT)
Presenter: National Children’s Center

Exploring the Invest in Your Health Trainer Exchange (2:00 p.m. CDT)
Presenter: Natalie Roy, MPH

Thursday, Sept. 19
Hazard Communications Standards (Noon CDT)
Presenter: Dan Neenan, MBA

Friday, Sept. 20
Reducing the Risk of Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes for Female Ag Producers (Noon CDT)
Presenter: Knesha Rose-Davison, MPH

Throughout the week and the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers and ranchers to make safety a priority on the farm.

“America’s farmers, ranchers and producers work hard to feed our nation and the world,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said. “Farming is not always the safest profession, and it is our responsibility to continue to improve workplace safety and pursue initiatives that create healthier work environments. They must also have access to innovative technologies and production practices to protect themselves and their employees. Promoting farm safety will help our American agriculture workforce to continue producing the healthiest, safest, most affordable and most abundant food supply on earth.”

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