Ag Safety is not just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle!

By: Jana L. Davidson, Education Content Specialist for the Progressive Agriculture FoundationNational Farm Safety & Health Week is an annual promotion of the National Safety Council. The 2015 theme, “Ag Safety is not just a slogan, it’s a lifestyle,” will be celebrated September 20-26. This year marks the 72^nd consecutive year this week has been celebrated and commemorates the hard work, diligence and sacrifice of our nation’s farmers and ranchers. During the week, a different topic area will be highlighted each day:

• Monday will focus on Rural Roadway Safety
• Tuesday will focus on Confined Spaces
• Wednesday is Children’s Day
• Thursday will focus on Health
• Friday will focus on Tractor Safety

The statistics are sobering. Each year, more than 100 children are fatally injured on farms throughout the United States. Farm parents play a special role in protecting agriculture’s future. Here are 5 things you can do to keep your children safe:

1. Keep young children away from farm hazards. Make the play area more fun than the farmstead.
2. Don’t allow extra riders on tractors, combines or ATVs.
3. Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets, sun protection, ear plugs and eye shields.
4. Provide sufficient training when youth are old enough to work on farms. Remember to keep in mind the child’s age and ability when assigning chores and tasks.
5. Always role model safe and healthy behavior. Remember, you are your child’s first teacher and they will follow your example.

These safety tips are examples of what children & families learn when they attend a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® offered throughout North America. This year alone, more than 100,000 children & adults will participate in a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® within their local community. Want to make a difference in your community? Applying to host a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®, volunteer at a Safety Day, or donate to the program by visiting www.progressiveag.orgThe Progressive Agriculture Foundation and the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® program, along with several other safety organizations throughout the country, supports National Farm Safety & Health Week as a way to raise awareness and educate others on health and safety-related issues. We encourage each to focus on safety and health around the farm, ranch or home not just for this special week, but 365 days a year!For a variety of additional resources, including educational webinars, visit The National Education Center for Agricultural Safety website at http://www.necasag.org/ Also, be sure to follow Progressive Agriculture Safety Days on Facebook at www.facebook.com/progressiveagriculture and Twitter @PAFSafetyDays for weekly safety tips.