Thanks in large part to public awareness campaigns such as National Farm Safety Week, we have made notable progress in our efforts to protect the lives and health of America's agricultural workers. According to the National Safety Council, a private, nonprofit organization that is dedicated to promoting public safety, the number of work-related deaths among agricultural workers has dropped over the past 10 years from an average of 54 per 100,000 to 42 per 100,000. The Council reports that nonoccupational accidents in rural areas have also decreased. Despite such encouraging trends, however, far too many farmers and ranchers continue to suffer from injuries and illnesses that could be prevented. Improper and prolonged exposure to chemicals and environmental elements is having a harmful effect on the health of many agricultural workers and thus on their livelihood as well.
Serious accidents are often the cruel price of carelessness and haste.
The solutions are relatively simple and inexpensive, and they begin with the whole family. For example, farmers and ranchers can reduce their risk of developing dermatitis, lung disease, hearing loss, and other common occupational illnesses by wearing protective gloves, respirators, and ear plugs when the job calls for it. Empty pesticide containers should be disposed of safely, and leftover chemicals should be stored out of the reach of children. Children should also be encouraged to recognize health hazards such as dust, noise, toxic fumes, and extreme exposure to the sun, and every member of every farm family should know what to do in the event of an emergency. I urge all those who live and work on our Nation's farms and ranches to make health and safety an integral part of their daily activities.