Farm Safety Week Focuses on Children

The Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network’s Agricultural Safety Awareness Week, dedicated to farm safety education with a particular emphasis on children, begins in a few days.

In recognition, Agriculture Secretary Ed Schafer proclaimed March 2-8 as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. The 2008 theme, “Growing the Most Important Crop,” emphasizes making farms and ranches safer for farmers, their family members and employees with special emphasis on children.

In the proclamation, Schafer noted people of all ages, but children in particular, are at risk of injuries on the farm. He also encouraged farmers and ranchers to learn more about preventing workplace hazards that are unique to agriculture.

“In observance of this week, I call upon all Americans to respect safe farm practices and to increase their understanding of agriculture in their states and local communities,” said Schafer. “Farmers and ranchers are vital contributors to our nation’s well-being, providing high-quality food, fiber and fuel at a reasonable cost.”

AFBF President Bob Stallman said educating adults about reducing risks to the children in their care is critical to preventing farm and ranch injuries and deaths.

“During Ag Safety Awareness Week and throughout the year, state Farm Bureaus across the country are focusing on making farms and ranches safer for farmers, their family members and employees,” said Stallman, adding that several farmer and rancher Farm Bureau members are helping spread the word as official spokespersons.

“Learning how to reduce the risks associated with feeding, clothing and fueling our nation is important for farmers and ranchers, so they can continue ‘growing the most important crop,’ our children,” said Stallman, himself a grandfather.

Source: Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network, www.agsafetynow.com.