NSC Salutes Farm Families

The National Safety Council looks forward to National Farm Safety & Health Week, Sept. 21-27, as a good time to recognize farmers, ranchers and others who work in the U.S. agriculture industry.

Farming is one of our nation's most dangerous occupations. More than 700 farmers and ranchers die in work-related accidents each year and another 120,000 agricultural workers suffer disabling injuries. Frequently, injuries happen when farm tractors roll over on their operators and passengers. Mechanical, chemical and environmental hazards also increase work-related risks.

The NSC’s National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS) leads the annual observation of National Farm Safety & Health Week and works year-around to bring safety and health messages home to rural communities.

Most farm and ranch accidents are preventable. Special considerations include:

• Only half of the farm tractors used in the U.S. are equipped with life-saving rollover protective structures with seat belts.
• Emergency medical care is not readily accessible to farmers and ranchers, due to the isolated nature of farms and ranches in our nation's rural areas.
• Farm and ranch women are especially at risk.
• Senior farmers are also at increased risk, especially if they take prescription medication, work with physical disabilities and/or suffer from hearing loss.
• Children can be accidentally injured or killed as bystanders to farm work or passengers on equipment.

To learn more about safety risks particular to agriculture and injury prevention tips, see the Council’s HyperLink resource page.