The national theme for National Farm Safety and Health Week is “Farm Safely – Protect YOUr Investment.” The event is coordinated by the National Safety Council and supported by other organizations and groups with interest in agricultural safety.

Agriculture has the highest annual death rates for workers in the nation surpassing all the other industries including mining, construction, and manufacturing. It is important that Minnesotans and Iowans use safe farming practices during harvest and throughout the year. This special week during September is the customary kick off campaign to reinforce agricultural safety messages. This tradition began with President Franklin D. Roosevelt signing of the first proclamation for farm safety in 1944 because the high injury rate in agriculture impacted the war effort.

In Iowa, farm safety efforts are a unique partnership between various organizations. As president of the Iowa Farm Safety Council, James Wright represents safety volunteers in Iowa that come together under the umbrella of the council. The Iowa Farm Safety Council with their volunteers strives to increase knowledge about agricultural hazards and dangers. In addition, the Iowa Farm Safety Council spends time at state events like the Iowa State Fair to share this knowledge. It’s volunteer programs like these that educate people to lead safer and healthier lives.

The Iowa Farm Safety Council encourages Iowans to make better safety and health decisions this year. You can prepare to prevent serious injuries and death by:

– Selecting the proper ATV personal protective equipment.

– Following safety recommendations for operating ATVs.

– Making smart decisions while operating vehicles on roadways.

-Using and maintaining the slow moving vehicle emblem SMV correctly.

– Retrofitting tractors with rollover protective structures, ROPs,.

Join the Iowa Farm Safety Council and the National Safety Council to participate in the 65th annual National Farm Safety and Health Week Sept. 21-27, 2008. We also urge Iowans to support the Iowa Farm Safety and Health Day for Children and Youth on September 24, 2008. During this time please encourage others to adopt safe practices and behaviors as we prepare to prevent injuries during this harvest season.