National Farm Safety and Health Week: Protecting Agricultural Workers Across the U.S.
Each September, National Farm Safety and Health Week raises awareness about the unique hazards agricultural workers face and highlights ways to prevent injuries and save lives.
Agriculture is one of the most essential industries in the U.S., but it is also one of the most hazardous. From heavy equipment to extreme weather conditions, farm workers encounter risks every day. This annual event, coordinated by the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, serves as a reminder for employers, workers, and safety professionals to make farm safety a priority.
At PCS Safety, we are committed to helping employers protect their teams with training, compliance, and safety programs tailored to the agricultural industry.
Why Farm Safety Matters
According to NIOSH, agriculture consistently ranks among the most dangerous industries in the U.S. Farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers experience high rates of fatalities and serious injuries. The leading causes include:
Tractor rollovers and machinery incidents
Roadway collisions involving farm equipment
Chemical exposures to pesticides and fertilizers
Confined space accidents in grain bins, silos, and storage areas
Heat stress and related illnesses during long hours in the field
These risks not only affect workers’ health but also have lasting impacts on their families and businesses.
Key Safety Themes of the Week
While the focus shifts slightly each year, National Farm Safety and Health Week often addresses these critical areas:
Equipment and Rural Roadway Safety – Preventing tractor rollovers, machinery entanglements, and roadway collisions.
Health and Wellness for Farmers and Workers – Promoting mental health, fatigue management, and access to healthcare.
Generational Safety and Training Young Workers – Ensuring young and seasonal workers receive proper safety training.
Confined Space Safety – Reducing risks in grain bins, silos, and other storage areas where suffocation hazards exist.
ATV/UTV and Vehicle Safety – Encouraging safe operation of off-road and farm vehicles.
These topics serve as reminders for employers to assess risks and strengthen workplace safety programs.
Building a Safer Agricultural Workplace
Every farm is unique, but the steps to reduce risk are universal:
Conduct hazard assessments to identify specific risks in your operation.
Provide safety training for all workers, including young or seasonal employees.
Inspect and maintain machinery regularly to prevent equipment-related accidents.
Develop emergency response plans that cover medical emergencies, chemical spills, and severe weather events.
Prepare for medical emergencies by keeping first aid kits stocked and ensuring workers are trained in CPR, AED, and First Aid.
Implement heat illness prevention programs to protect workers during peak summer months.
These practices help reduce injuries and demonstrate a strong commitment to worker safety.
Resources for Employers and Workers
Employers do not have to prepare alone. These resources provide valuable guidance:
National Education Center for Agricultural Safety
OSHA Agriculture Safety
Working with a trusted partner like PCS Safety can also help businesses simplify compliance and implement effective safety measures.
Take Action This National Farm Safety and Health Week
National Farm Safety and Health Week is a reminder that agricultural safety is not seasonal. It requires year-round commitment from employers, workers, and safety professionals.
By reviewing your programs and making improvements now, you can reduce injuries, protect your workforce, and strengthen your business.
Contact PCS Safety today to build a customized farm safety program and protect your team year-round.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as legal or professional safety advice. For assistance with OSHA compliance or workplace safety programs, please contact PCS Safety.
