Friday, September 26, 2003

South Fulton Farm Bureau celebrates National Farm Safety & Health Week

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States. In 2002, agriculture ranked second behind the mining/quarrying industry, with 21 fatalities per 100,000, workers or approximately 730 deaths. Work fatalities in agriculture increased two percent last year, while the all-industry average declined by three percent according to the National Safety Council.

There are several issues concerning agriculture and farming safety. Tractor incidents remain the number one cause of death in agriculture. A majority of fatal injuries to operators are caused by tractors overturning without rollover protection and the all-important seat belt.Also, extra riders on tractors can also become victims. These accidents are preventable with good safety practices.

Farmers age 75 and older are more than twice as likely to die on the job as their younger counterparts. Much of this increased risk is related to aging and involves a decrease in sensory abilities.

Although injuries from slips and falls may not be as traumatic as farm machinery entanglements, they remain the leading cause of injury among farmers and ranchers. According to the National Safety Council, about 150,000 workers suffer disabling injuries annually, with many caused by slips and falls in the workplace. Collisions between farm machinery and vehicles on rural highways are a serious problem in many states. Based on crash data compiled from various states, the collision rate may average nearly one per day. Using well-maintained SMV (slow-moving vehicle) emblems and appropriate lighting on farm equipment can prevent collisions, according to Dr. Tom Bean of Ohio State University. The National Safety Council recommends using extra care when driving on rural highways at any time of the year.

Agriculture and U.S. rural areas are not immune from criminal activities. Theft of livestock and farm equipment are not uncommon.During the past decade, the theft of anhydrous ammonia for the elicit manufacture of drugs has been an ongoing problem. The National Safety Council recommends that farmers and ranchers increase their vigilance as a part of our national's homeland security measures. The advantage in a rural area is the close relationship between families and their neighbors. Most rural residents know each other, and when a stranger appears or an unusual activity occurs, the locals will know about it. Neighborhood Watch has worked well in urban areas, and it will work well in rural areas to preserve and protect our valuable agriculture resources.

South Fulton County Farm Bureau salutes our farmers and encourages everyone, both on the farm and off, to share in our responsibility of agricultural safety.

National Farm Safety & Health Week is an annual promotion from the National Safety Council commemorating the hard work, diligence, and sacrifices of our nation's farmers and ranchers. The 2003 event marks the 60th consecutive Proclamation signed by U.S. Presidents beginning with FDR in 1944.

For additional safety information and information on National Farm Safety and Health Week, go to www.nsc.org/farmsafe. htm.

To celebrate National Farm Safety and Health Week, the South Fulton County Farm Bureau will be participating in the Palmetto Birthday Festival Sept. 27 and also will have a booth at the Chattahoochee Hills Country Alliance festival Sept. 27.