Agriculture Commissioner proclaims Farm Safety and Health Week Sept 19-25 across Kentucky

Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr Ryan Quarles proclaimed September 19-25 as Kentucky Farm Safety and Health Week to encourage farmers and farm workers to put their health first. and their safety at all times. The theme for this year’s Safety Week is “Safety on the Farm Gets Real Results”.

“Farmers face a number of risks in the course of their work, such as machinery accidents, exposure to chemicals, unruly livestock, entrapment in grain silos, inclement weather and much more. others, ”said Commissioner Quarles. “In Kentucky, we’ve made great strides in mitigating these risks to make farming safer than ever. But an injury on the farm is one too many. “Farm Safety Works” is not only the theme for this year’s Farm Safety and Health Week, it should be a guiding principle for our farmers. Whether you are on the farm, on the road or at home, please take this extra step to protect yourself and those around you.

In addition to reminding farmers to keep safety in mind and reminding drivers to share the road as harvest season approaches, KDA is also embarking on a new campaign – “Raising Hope – Supporting Healthy Lives on Kentucky Farms ”– which focuses on strategies for the mental and physical health of agricultural producers. The campaign is made possible through funds from the General Assembly and partnerships with state universities and other state agencies.

With goals of program development, education, communication and community systems to support the mental and physical health of farmers and farm families, the campaign focuses on reducing stress, depression and suicide among agricultural producers, as well as on maintaining physical safety while at work.

Through research, prevention, intervention, and community education and awareness, the project’s mission is to improve the quality of life for agricultural producers in Kentucky. Raising stress awareness among farmers, as well as reducing the stigma associated with mental health issues is one way to build community support systems for those in need. In addition, it is important to show the appreciation of farmers and their families by realizing the positive impact they have on our communities. Meeting the mental health needs of farmers helps reduce physical injuries sustained on farms.

The Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center reported that 15 Kentuckians engaged in agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting died on the job in 2020, up from 12 in 2019 and 50 in 1995.

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) operates a Farm and Home Safety Program that provides educational resources and training to keep farmers and their families safe. The Farm and Home Safety Team is always in high demand and each year participates in over 100 events, including the National Farm Machinery Show; the Kentucky State Fair; WAVE Ag Day in Hickman, Kentucky; and the Milan No-Till Field Day in Milan, Tennessee.

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, KDA’s Farm and Home Safety Program partnered last year with the University of Kentucky’s Southeastern Center for Agricultural Health and Prevention of wounds to create security videos emphasizing awareness of injury risks and the mental health needs of farmers. The videos focus on overturning tractors, ATV and lawn mower injuries, and farmer mental health. Other videos encourage the public to share the road with farm machinery and highlight the importance of farmers protecting themselves from the sun and heat when working outdoors.

Kentucky Farm Safety and Health Week coincides with National Farm Safety and Health Week. This week recognizes, celebrates and uplifts American farmers and ranchers who have faced many challenges, while continuing to work hard to provide the food, fiber and fuel the public needs.

Kentucky Department of Agriculture