For National Safety Month, Let’s Keep Each Other Safe
By: Jana L. Davidson, Education Content Specialist for the Progressive Agriculture Foundation
The National Safety Council, along with the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, work to raise awareness of what it takes to Keep Each Other Safe, which is this year’s theme of National Safety Month. Observed annually in June, National Safety Month focuses on reducing leading causes of injury and death at work, on the road and in our homes and communities. During the entire month of June, NSC has identified the following four safety topics to be highlighted each week:Week 1 - Stand Up to Falls: “Don’t get tripped up! Keep an eye out to prevent falls.” Although home is the place where we feel the safest, falls in the home are one of the leading causes of injury-related death in the U.S., second only to poisoning. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries, including concussions, according to the Centers of Disease Control & Prevention (CDC). From removing common tripping hazards such as rugs, cords and spills to getting regular vision screenings, you can help eliminate your chances of falling.Week 2 - Recharge to Be in Charge: With a focus on fatigue, this week highlights the importance of getting an accurate amount of sleep. The CDC reports that one in three adults do not get enough sleep. Sleep deprivation can lead to injuries at work, home or on the farm. Not only is fatigue unhealthy for the individual, but it can impact the safety of others, including children and co-workers. Lack of alertness behind the wheel of a vehicle or machinery can have devastating consequences.Week 3 - Prepare for Active Shooters: Preparing for the worst can be a difficult task, as it involves us thinking of a situation we do not ever want to be faced with. However, being prepared can be your best defense. By being aware of your environment and locating the nearest two exits for any place you visit, you are prepared for any dangerous situation including emergency evacuations for fires and other unexpected circumstances.Week 4 - Don't Just Sit There: This week’s focus is ergonomics and provide tips to remain healthy and active by avoiding lower back pain. According to the American Chiropractic Association, nearly 80% of Americans will experience back problems at some point in their lives. With proper stretching prior to lifting, using your legs and not your back, and limiting the amount of weight you carry, you can help prevent strains, dislocations and muscle tears.These topics highlighted during June’s safety month are some of the lessons children learn when they attend a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®, the largest rural safety and health education program for children in North America. If you are interested in conducting a 2018 Progressive Agriculture Safety Day® for your community, applications are being accepted through July 15, 2017. To apply to host a Safety Day or for more information about the program, visit www.progressiveag.org or call us toll-free at 888-257-3529.Photo: These Pennsylvania participants are all smiles after attending a Progressive Agriculture Safety Day®, which are designed to be age-appropriate, hands-on, fun and safe for all children. To date, more than 1.5 million children and adults have been impacted by the program throughout North America.