Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor Highlight National Farm Safety and Health Week

 
SPRINGFIELD, IL – As we enter fall, the Illinois Departments of Agriculture and Labor remind all farm workers to stay safe, especially during the busy harvest season. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the agriculture sector is one of the most dangerous in America. Each year the farming profession sees over 500 fatalities nationwide. Most farmworker injuries and deaths are caused by tractor overturns, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. On average, these incidents result in about 130 deaths each year nationwide. Visibility is a key to safety on the roads. All farm vehicles using the public roads must display the fluorescent orange Slow Moving Vehicle triangle. Additionally, tractors and other self-powered farm vehicles must have proper lighting. Drivers should remember farm vehicle operators have limited visibility to the rear. Anyone passing such a vehicle should use extreme caution.
To this end, Governor Pritzker has proclaimed the week of September 18-24, 2022, National Farm Safety and Health Week in Illinois, with the theme, “Protecting Agriculture’s Future.”