Q&A: Farm Safety Week

Q&A: Farm Safety Week

With U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Q: What's the history behind Farm Safety Week?

A: Since World War II, National Farm Safety Week is observed in September to boost public awareness before the harvest season gets fully underway. It's one of the most dangerous times of year in farming. President Franklin Roosevelt called America's farmers and ranchers "the source from which the reservoirs of our nation's strength are constantly renewed." America's farmers anchor the nation's breadbasket, keeping people nourished and society thriving. I often remind people in Washington that farmers make up only two percent of the population who feed the other 98 percent of Americans. When FDR signed the proclamation to declare National Farm Safety Week, it helped shine a spotlight on the sacrifices and noble work of Americans who grow, produce and process food. Farm sector jobs are among the most hazardous occupations in the economy. Too many people have suffered disabling injuries or death while putting in the work to put food on our plates. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the United States had 417 ag-related fatalities in 2022.

As a lifelong family farmer, I understand the daily push to get the chores done and squeeze every minute out of the day, especially during harvest season. Over the years, we've had close calls on our fourth-generation family farm, and I've heard too many stories of tragic accidents from neighbors and Iowans across the state that's led me to a rule of thumb on the farm. It's better to be safe, than sorry. Refuel with food and sleep to avoid fatigue in the tractor seat. Don't take risky shortcuts or skip safety checks. It could end up costing a life or limb. Always walk around equipment, particularly Power Take Off (PTO) shafts that can quickly entangle shoe laces, pant cuffs or shirt sleeves. During this time of year, extended members of farm families are pitching in to get the job done. I encourage Iowans to be mindful, especially of young children wandering behind wagons and tractors. Use common sense so you can enjoy the fruits of your labor with loved ones during the upcoming holiday season and prepare for spring planting in 2025.

Q: What safety measures should Iowans keep in mind during the harvest season?

A: Awareness is the first step for safety. During this busy time of year, I encourage all Iowans to be extra vigilant on the roads. Be cautious when passing and give some grace to slow-moving farm machinery. The fluorescent red-orange triangle emblem indicates a slow moving vehicle of 35 mph or less. Farmers ought to ensure turn signals and brake lights are operating properly before hauling grain from the field to the farm or local elevator. A study by the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH) compared crashes across nine Midwest states, finding about 70 percent of crashes occurred in rural zip codes. One of 11 nationally-funded centers under the umbrella of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the ag research, education and prevention center is located within the University of Iowa's College of Public Health. Find additional resources by GPCAH on roadway safety, hearing loss prevention, manure gas safety, avian flu, skin cancer prevention and more, including a FarmSafe podcast.

Did you know tractor roll-overs are the leading cause of fatalities on the farm? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1 in 10 farmers will overturn a tractor in his or her lifetime. Older tractors can be fitted with rollover protection structures (ROPS), such as a roll bar, cage frame or crush-proof cab. Use caution around row ends, slopes, ditches and waterways.

Take advantage of safety training classes available for farmers and first responders, such as grain engulfment and entrapment. Learn about additional rescue programs offered through the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety located in Peosta, Iowa. Register for free online webinars during National Farm Safety and Health Week here. (https://www.necasag.org/nationalfarmsafetyandhealthweek/)

Farm safety measures also must take mental health into account. From one year to the next, farmers manage high amounts of stress, from not having enough hours in the day, to low commodity prices, high interest rates, soaring input costs and natural disasters. In 2020, I supported legislation that created 988, the three-digit national hotline to help people in crisis. From my seat on the Senate Agriculture Committee, I also steered passage of bipartisan legislation to boost additional resources for suicide prevention and stress management for farmers. I continue to push federal agencies to ensure the law is implemented as intended to improve access to mental and behavioral health services in rural America. During Farm Safety Week and the other 51 weeks of the year, I'm proud to be a voice for farmers and rural Americans in the U.S. Senate.

National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 15-21, 2024.

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