National Farm Safety and Health Week Sept. 18-24

NASHVILLE — Farming has an occupational fatality rate 700 percent higher than other U.S. industries, including mining. During the harvest season, farmers are at very high risk for serious injuries and death as they work to provide an abundant food supply for the nation. In recognition of the hazards farmers face on the job, Governor Haslam has proclaimed September 18-24  Farm Safety and Health Week in Tennessee.

The Department of Health and the Tennessee Agricultural Safety and Health Partnership join the Department of Agriculture in raising awareness of the risks of farming accidents and ways to save lives through prevention.  

“As a farmer myself, I understand the stresses of the job.  It is fitting that National Farm Safety Week is the third week of September right in the middle of harvest,” Agriculture Commissioner Jai Templeton said. “Take the time to look up and around, wear the appropriate clothing for the task, make sure safety shields are in place and get plenty of rest. As important as the job is today, being there tomorrow to provide for our families and continue the work we love is the priority we’re reminded of this week.”

Tennessee has one of the highest tractor overturn fatality rates in the country – over 9.8 deaths per 100,000 workers, annually. There are approximately 96 tractor overturn fatalities reported each year in the nation. Engineering advancements made to tractors and other farm equipment help reduce injuries and deaths – but only when they are used properly. 

“In today’s world, the work of a very few feeds all of us so it’s incredibly important but unfortunately also still hazardous work,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner John Dreyzehner, MD, MPH. “Personally, I have lost two friends to tractor accidents. In their memories, I always wear my seatbelt and use my rollover protection structure on this wonderful but very dangerous machinery and I encourage everyone to do the same.”

The Tennessee Agricultural Safety and Health Partnership comprises multiple organizations with a statewide focus to promote farm safety and health.  In addition to the Departments of Health and Agriculture, the partners include Tennessee Farmer’s Cooperative, University of Tennessee Extension, Tennessee AgrAbility, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Tennessee State University Extension, Tennessee New Farmer Academy, UT Knoxville College of Nursing, University of Kentucky College of Nursing, and the USDA- Farm Service Agency and Natural Resources Conservation Services. 

For more information and resources on farm safety and health, visit  www.necasag.org/.