Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor Highlight National Farm Safety and Health Week September 19

For Quick Launch – September 17, 2021

Illinois Divisions of Agriculture and Labor Spotlight Nationwide Farm Safety and Well being Week September 19-25

SPRINGFIELD, IL – As ancompletely different harvest season begins, the Illinois Divisions of Agriculture (IDOA) and Labor (IDOL) rethoughts all farm staff To maintain protected, particularly By way of the upcoming and busy harvest season.

Yearly since 1944, the third week of September has been acknowledged as Nationwide Farm Safety and Well being Week. Governor Pritzker proclaimed the week of September 19-25, 2021, Nationwide Farm Safety and Well being Week in Illinois, with the theme “Farm Safety Yields Exact Outcomes.”

The latest knowledge from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reveals the agriculture sector Continues to be In all probability the most dangerous in America. Yearly the farming profession sees 573 fatalities, which equals 23 demises per 100,000 staff.

“It is rather important convey consciousness not solely to the bodily risks of farming, However the emotional toll it takes as properly,” said Jerry Costello II, Director, IDOA. “Whereas We’ll highlight roadway protectedty, chemical protectedty and completely different conventional farming hazards, Furtherextra it Is important to encourage famers to Look after his or her very personal health.”

Most farmworker accidents and demise are Launched on by tractor overturns, Based mostly on the Occupational Safety and Well being Administration (OSHA). These incidents Finish in about 130 demises every yr nationwide.

“Harvest season is a rethoughtser of the significance of farmers to Illinois’ financial system and Our way of life. This hectic time furtherly conveys further risks to agriculture staff. We would like farmers to return house to their households On The prime Of every day,” said the Director of the Illinois Division of Labor Michael Kleinik.

Visibility is a key to protectedty on the roads. All agricultural automobiles using The general public roads should current the fluorescent orange Sluggish Shifting Car triangle. Furtherextra, tractors and completely different self-powered farm automobiles Ought to have right lighting. Drivers should maintain in thoughts farm vehicle operators have restricted visibility to the rear. Anyone passing such a vehicle should use extreme warning.

Every day all through Nationwide Farm Safety and Well being Week, the Illinois Division of Agriculture will highlight rising factors and important primeics on Fb and Twitter.

Monday, Sept. 21: Tractor Safety & Rural Roadway Safety
Tuesday, Sept. 22: Overall Farmer Well being
Wednesday, Sept. 23: Safety & Well being for Youth in Agriculture
Thursday, Sept. 24: Agriculture Fertilizer and Chemical Safety
Friday, Sept. 25: Safety & Well being For women in Agriculture

Nationwide Farm Safety and Well being week May even be A great time to rethoughts growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia of the April 1, 2022 deadline to be licensed to work with anhydrous ammonia. The Illinois Division of Agriculture, Collectively with the Illinois Farm Bureau and IFCA are offering free teaching on-line and in-particular person. Please go to the Illinois Division of Agriculture internet website for extra information.

Adjust to the Illinois Division of Agriculture on social media for these important updates all through Farm Safety and Well being Week.