National Farm Safety and Health Week is Sept. 21-27

Source: VA Farm Bureau

RICHMOND, VA — Producing the nation’s food and fiber is an important job, but it’s also a dangerous one.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting sectors are still the most dangerous in America. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury, there were 448 fatalities in 2023—equal to 20.3 deaths per 100,000 workers, compared to 3.5 fatalities per 100,000 for all U.S. industries.

Transportation incidents and contact with objects and equipment were the leading causes of death for farmers and farmworkers. Image Credit - VA Farm Bureau

During National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 21-27, farmers and employers are reminded that safety should always remain top of mind. Since 1944, the observance has been held during harvest season, one of the busiest and most dangerous times of year for farmers. Many must drive slow-moving farm equipment on public roadways to complete their harvests, which increases risky encounters with drivers.

“Hard work and long days are part of everyday life for farmers, but harvest season often brings the longest hours and the highest stress,” said Matt Nuckols, chair of the Virginia Farm Bureau Safety Advisory Program. “Prioritizing safety during this time is essential.”

Themed “Safety First, Avoid the Worst,” this year’s observance will emphasize the importance of physical and mental well-being of those working in agriculture. Daily themes include equipment and rural roadway safety; farmer health and wellness; generations of farming; confined spaces; and ATV and UTV safety.

Two free webinars will be held each day throughout the week, hosted by AgriSafe—a nonprofit organization representing health professionals and educators who strive to reduce health disparities in agricultural communities.

The webinars will cover important topics like preventing serious injuries, youth safety on farms, natural disaster recovery, keeping farming in the family through resilience and health, grain bin and manure pit safety, and more. Interested individuals may register for the webinars online.

“The AgriSafe Network plays a vital role in promoting the safety and well-being of our farmers,” Nuckols added. “This week’s focus on safety is also a great opportunity to highlight the valuable resources they provide.”

To continue promoting farm and roadway safety, the VFBF Farm Safety Program launched its inaugural SAFER contest. The challenge encourages community groups and civic and youth organizations to create visual displays depicting the size difference between farm equipment and regular vehicles. Anyone is welcome to participate, and campaigns are taking place across the state with prizes awarded in three categories.

Learn more about the SAFER contest.

Additional farm safety resources can be accessed through the VFBF farm safety website, which addresses topics such as accident response, agricultural hazards, mental health and rural road safety. Site content also includes links to safety resources offered by other farming advocacy organizations.

For a suite of resources addressing youth farm safety, visit cultivatesafety.org.