Farm Safety Yields Real Results
Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries with fall harvest time being one of the busiest and most dangerous seasons. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows this industry is consistently at the highest risk for occupational injuries and fatalities, with 574 fatalities in 2018, or an equivalent of 23.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. Farming is also one of the few industries in which family members, including children, are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. By increasing awareness of the safety and health issues facing agriculture workers, we can prevent them from occurring.
FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH FACTS
- Each year, there are hundreds of crashes on rural roads that involve farm equipment. You can prevent rural roadway crashes by doing your part: Slow down. Be patient.
- Opioid Use Disorder can happen to anyone – including workers in rural communities. Take some time to learn the signs and how you can help a co-worker or family member who is struggling with opioids.
- Approximately 33 children are injured on the farm every day. Do all you can to make farms safe for children. Learn more.
- Chemicals and pesticides are used on farms for many reasons. If used correctly and according to directions, chemicals can be safe. Remember a chemical label is your friend – read labels before using any chemical or pesticide
- Offering tools to women in agriculture that help weather farm stress is critical. Help women in agriculture cultivate resiliency.
September 19-25, 2021 is National Farm Safety and Health Week
#NFSHW21
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and its Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health (Ag Centers) are recognizing National Farm Safety and Health Week.
This week emphasizes the importance of working together to prevent injuries and illnesses among agricultural workers.
The Ag Centers have developed a toolkit to promote and provide safety resources aligned with the daily themes of National Farm Safety and Health Week.
Learn more about the toolkit and National Farm Safety and Health Week.
NIOSH is committed to preventing work-related injuries and illnesses among U.S. agricultural workers.
NIOSH has an extensive Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AgFF) Research Program, which works to reduce the high risks of injuries and illnesses experienced by workers in this industry.
NIOSH also supports extramural research and prevention programs including 10 regional Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health and the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agriculture Health and Safety. (Ag Centers). These Centers conduct research on injuries associated with agriculture, as well as pesticide exposure, pulmonary disease, musculoskeletal disorders, hearing loss, and stress. These Centers provide an array of trainings and resources, as well as expertise to various public interest and policy groups.
Check out the links below for more on the NIOSH AgFF program and other NIOSH-related resources: