Farm Safety Week Focuses on Children in 2008
2/27/2008
The Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network's Agricultural Safety
Awareness Week, dedicated to farm safety education with a particular emphasis on
children, begins in a few days. In recognition of this, Agriculture Secretary Ed
Schafer proclaimed March 2-8 as Agricultural Safety Awareness Week. The 2008
theme, "Growing the Most Important Crop," emphasizes making farms and ranches
safer for farmers, their family members and employees with special emphasis on
children.
In the proclamation, Schafer noted people of all ages, but
children in particular, are at risk of injuries on the farm. He also encouraged
farmers and ranchers to learn more about preventing workplace hazards that are
unique to agriculture.
"In observance of this week, I call upon all Americans to
respect safe farm practices and to increase their understanding of agriculture
in their states and local communities," said Schafer. "Farmers and ranchers are
vital contributors to our nation's well-being, providing high-quality food,
fiber and fuel at a reasonable cost." AFBF President Bob Stallman
said educating adults about reducing risks to the children in their care is
critical to preventing farm and ranch injuries and deaths.
"During Ag Safety Awareness Week and throughout the year, state Farm Bureaus
across the country are focusing on making farms and ranches safer for farmers,
their family members and employees," said Stallman, adding that several farmer
and rancher Farm Bureau members are helping spread the word as official
spokespersons. "Learning how to reduce the risks associated with
feeding, clothing and fueling our nation is important for farmers and ranchers,
so they can continue 'growing the most important crop,' our children," said
Stallman, himself a grandfather. For more information, visit
www.agsafetynow.com.
The program is part of the Farm Bureau Safety and Health Network. The Network
consists of professionals affiliated with Farm Bureau that share an interest in
identifying and decreasing safety and health risks associated with agricultural
and rural life. Contacts:
Tracy Taylor Grondine, tracyg@fb.org
Anne Keller, annek@fb.org
(202) 406-3642
(202) 406-3659 |
