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Protecting Our Farmers

Agriculture ranks among the most dangerous industries, and farm workers are at high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries.

Farm workers, who provide the food, fiber, and fuel that we need, are mainly outdoors in harsh conditions, and often in remote, rural, and removed areas. Farm work also often requires long work hours and the use of equipment, heavy machinery, and chemicals, among exposure to other risky conditions like rural traffic and tractor interactions, hearing loss, heat, and stress.

Through increased awareness of safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry, we can help save lives and prevent injuries.

 

 Farm Safety Facts

  • If you are a farm worker and want to ensure the safety of you and your livestock when
    when transporting, make sure to use checklists and always be aware of your surroundings. Check out these tips.
  • A shortcut can save you time, but it could also cost you your livelihood. Do not rush safety. Follow the proper procedures before using any farm equipment. It will save you money and your life. Learn more.
  • Safety begins with you! When on the farm make sure to check-in with your partners, but also yourself. Heat stress can occur quickly, and the consequences are severe. See the early warning signs and how to prevent it.
  • According to the Agricultural Children Safety Network, “tractors are responsible for 41% of accidental farm deaths of children under 15.” Learn more about the Keep Kids Away from Tractors Campaign.
farmer in the fields
ag safety awareness program week

Partner Resources

The NIOSH-funded Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health (Ag Centers) are partnering with the American Farm Bureau Federation for the 2022 Ag Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) Week. They have developed a toolkit to promote specific topics and provide safety resources for the daily themes of ASAP Week.

This week aims to bring awareness to safety and health issues facing the agriculture industry.

Learn more about the toolkit and the 2022 Ag Safety Awareness Program Week.

Share on Social Media

Use hashtags #ASAP22, #KeepFarmsSafe, and  #Prepare.Prevent.Protect.

NIOSH Resources for Farmer Safety

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is committed to preventing work-related injuries and illnesses among our nation’s agricultural workers.

NIOSH has an extensive Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AgFF) Research Program, which addresses the high risks of injuries and illnesses experienced by workers in this industry.

NIOSH also supports extramural research and prevention programs, known as the Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health (Ag Centers) in 11 states. The Ag Centers conduct research, education, and prevention projects to address the nation’s pressing agricultural, forestry and fishing health and safety problems.

Check out the links below for more on the NIOSH AgFF program and other NIOSH-related resources:

Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
Agricultural Safety
Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health