By Ned Birkey

“Shifting Farm Safety into High Gear” is the theme for 2019 National Farm Safety and Health Week, which will be Sept. 15-21.

Ever since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the first National Farm Safety Week proclamation in 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as the annual observance to remind farmers and others involved in agriculture to be safe.

This annual promotion was initiated by the National Safety Council and now has shifted to the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, the agricultural partner of NSC, which has served the agricultural family and business community since 1997. 

Agriculture still is one of the most dangerous occupations in America with 581 fatalities in 2017, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That equates to 23 deaths per 100,000 workers. Transportation incidents, which include tractor overturns, were the leading cause of death for farmers and farmworkers.

With schools in session, there are more cars on the roads — both early and later in the day — some with inexperienced drivers. As we go into fall, with shorter daylight hours, farmers and motorists both are reminded to be vigilant when operating on roads. This year’s theme is one that hits home and reminds us that it is everyone’s responsibility for safety on the roads.

Consider the following:

With the boundaries of rural and urban Monroe County and southeast Michigan blending more and more every day, it is important for all motorists to be aware of and cautious of farm equipment on the roads.

Birkey is an MSU Extension educator emeritus and owner of Spartan Agricultural Consulting.

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