National Farm Safety and Health Week

Presidential Proclamation -- National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2015

NATIONAL FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK, 2015

- - - - - - -

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Since the days of our Revolution when farmers across the Colonies took up arms in defense of our country, America's farmers and ranchers have played a critical role in shaping our progress and forging a better future for coming generations. Through centuries of hard work, they have supplied our Nation with products and services essential to the economic and physical well-being of our society. This week, we recognize all those serving on our farms, and we recommit to safeguarding their health and livelihoods.

Farmers and ranchers make tremendous contributions to the way of life our ancestors fought to establish, yet they face considerable hazards in the course of their daily responsibilities. To protect the safety of those working on America's farms, my Administration has taken steps to guarantee they have the knowledge, tools, and resources necessary to mitigate and reduce risks to themselves and their families. From handling hazardous chemicals and machinery to working in potentially dangerous areas such as silos or grain elevators, our Nation's farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers should be able to secure the prosperity of their land, their loved ones, and their country without sacrificing their own.

That is why the Federal Government has partnered with farm families, organizations, and businesses to ensure the well-being of those who work on farms. We have strengthened our commitment to those who provide nutrition, clothing, and energy to our people, including by developing nationwide training guidelines that aim to reduce the threats posed to America's next generation of farmers and ranchers. Each year, thousands of people are injured on farms and ranches in America, and I remain committed to pursuing pragmatic, responsible solutions to prevent these tragedies from occurring.

Across our country, those who work on farms bolster our economy and nourish our people by providing what we need at a most human level, helping to uphold America's founding creed: Out of many, we are one. This week, let us recognize the steadfast dedication and commitment of agricultural producers and their families, and let us reaffirm our resolve to promote their health and safety.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 20 through September 26, 2015, as National Farm Safety and Health Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations, businesses, and extension services that serve America's agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eighteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fortieth.



BARACK OBAMA

Farming is a very important, yet also very dangerous, job. In fact, it is one of the most dangerous occupations in the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, farming accounted for 23.2 deaths per 100,000 workers in 2013. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, September 20-26, 2015, Safe Electricity is sharing electrical safety tips to help promote safe practices on farms and ranches across the U.S.

“Electrical equipment, such as power lines near the end rows or around grain bins, may get overlooked during busy times of year, such as harvest,” says Kyla Kruse, communications director of the Safe Electricity program. “However, failure to notice overhead power lines can be a deadly oversight.”

The simple action of moving a portable grain auger from one bin to another can have tragic results if the individuals involved are not extremely careful. Raising the bed of a grain truck, extending a combine’s auger, or parking large machinery too close to overhead power lines could also result in preventable electrocution incidents.

Safe Electricity encourages farm operators and workers to look out for overhead power lines and maintain a safe distance away from them. Additional safety guidelines to keep in mind include:

Always use a spotter when operating large machinery near lines.

Use care when raising augers or the bed of grain trucks around power lines.

Keep equipment at least 10 feet from lines—at all times, in all directions.

Inspect the height of the farm equipment to determine clearance.

Always remember to lower extensions to the lowest setting when moving loads.

Never attempt to move a power line out of the way or raise it for clearance.

If a power line is sagging or low, call the local utility immediately.

If your equipment does hit a power line, do not leave the cab. Immediately call 911, warn others to stay away, and wait for the utility crew to cut the power.

The only reason to exit equipment that has come into contact with overhead lines is if the equipment is on fire, which is very rare. However, if this is the case, jump off the equipment with your feet together and without touching the ground and vehicle at the same time. Then, still keeping your feet together, hop to safety as you leave the area.

If you see someone’s equipment in contact with a power line, the best help is given at a safe distance. During one of these situations, make sure to yell out to, signal, or call the equipment operator to make sure he remains in the vehicle, and notify the local utility.

To help ensure a safe harvest, stay alert for power lines, exercise caution, and always put safety first. For more information on electrical safety, visit SafeElectricity.org.