BLOOMINGTON, ILL. — Illinois Farm Bureau (IFB) is again partnering with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) to promote farm safety and health during National Farm Safety and Health Week, themed, ‘No One Can Take Your Place,’ Sept. 17-23, 2023.
“We’re excited to help promote and support NECAS’s efforts in keeping farmers and farm families safe,” said Katie Laleman, Manager of the Henry County Farm Bureau. “Harvest season can be particularly dangerous for farmers with long hours and stress of weather delays, equipment breakdowns or high operating costs, and this year’s activities will reinforce the importance of organizations like ours working together to ensure farmers make it home safely to their families at night.”
Each day of the week has a designated topic of focus to promote various aspects of farm safety:
Monday, Sept. 18 – Equipment and Rural Roadway Safety
Tuesday, Sept. 19 – Health and Wellness
Wednesday, Sept. 20 – Priority Populations
Thursday, Sept. 21 – Confined Spaces
Friday, Sept. 22 – Brain Health
The 2019 data for the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the agricultural sector is still the most dangerous in America with 573 fatalities, or an equivalent of 23.1 deaths per 100,000 workers. Fall harvest time can be one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons of the year for the agriculture industry. For this reason, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week.
“Farmers are notorious for their work ethic and determination, both qualities that also can be a detriment when it comes to safety,” said Laleman. “While farm safety is top of mind every week for farmers, their families and their employees, National Farm Safety and Health Week is an opportunity to spotlight safety reminders that keep those both inside and outside the agriculture industry aware and mindful during the busy harvest season.”
For more information about National Farm Safety and Health Week, contact your local county Farm Bureau, visit www.necasag.org, or contact Donna Gallivan at 309-557-2350 or dgallivan@ilfb.org.