SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) – For the last 77 years the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week.
As another harvest season begins, the Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor remind all farm workers to stay safe, especially during the upcoming and busy harvest season.
Governor Pritzker proclaimed the week of September 19-25, 2021, National Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois, with the theme “Farm Safety Yields Real Results.”
The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the agriculture sector is still the most dangerous in America. Each year the farming profession sees 573 fatalities, which equals 23 deaths per 100,000 workers.
“It is important to bring awareness not only to the physical dangers of farming, but the emotional toll it takes as well,” said Jerry Costello II, Director, IDOA. “While we will highlight roadway safety, chemical safety and other traditional farming hazards, it is also important to encourage farmers to take care of their own health.”