By Julie Tomascik
Editor
Safety is a priority on Texas farms and ranches, and additional emphasis is being placed on farm safety this week during National Farm Safety and Health Week.
This annual promotion was initiated by the National Safety Council in 1944, and the third week in September has been proclaimed as such by each sitting U.S. president since Franklin D. Roosevelt. National Farm Safety and Health Week is led by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the agricultural partner of the National Safety Council.
This year’s theme is Every Farmer Counts during Sept. 20-26.
“This theme is one that reminds us that it is in everyone’s best interest to prioritize the health and safety of those who work so hard to provide our abundant supply of food, fiber and fuel,” the center said in a news release.
According to 2018 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, agriculture is one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
The National Farm Safety and Health Week programs aim 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 in free webinars each day of the week. They include:
Monday, Sept. 21
Tractor Safety and Rural Roadway Safety
This webinar will cover the basic hazards associated with tractors and agricultural machinery, as well as how to prevent injuries from these hazards.
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Overall Farmer Health
This session will address mental health in agriculture. A panel presentation will explore the development of a farmer specific hotline and suggested strategies to address a central objective—to meet the mental health needs of all farmers and ranchers and their families.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Safety and Health for Youth in Agriculture
This webinar will share more information about how to access AgriSafe’s free online trainings for use in the classroom. Educators can be certified to train on six AgriSafe modules that are targeted for ages 16-23.
Thursday, Sept. 24
Emergency Preparedness in Agriculture
During this webinar, participants will learn about emergency response planning, safety implementation, contacts and resources and more.
Friday, Sept. 25
Safety and Health for All in Agriculture
Back injuries are one of the most common forms of farm- and ranch-related injuries. Men and women are equally prone to work-related back pain, and the first episode usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40. During this webinar, participants will learn how to identify causes of ag-related back injuries and pain, apply strategies for maintaining back health, ways to manage chronic back pain and more.
Throughout the week and the year, Farm Bureau encourages farmers and ranchers to make safety a priority on the farm.
Visit www.necasag.org for more information and resources related to National Farm Safety and Health Week.
The organization also offers training and rescue programs throughout the year for a variety of topics and provides additional webinars to increase the awareness for agricultural safety.