Governor Rendell Proclaims "Farm Safety & Health Week' in Pennsylvania

Press Release

GOVERNOR RENDELL PROCLAIMS "FARM SAFETY & HEALTH WEEK' IN PENNSYLVANIA

Week Proclaimed Sept. 16-22

As thousands of Pennsylvania's farmers head to the fields for the fall harvest, Governor Edward G. Rendell has proclaimed Sept. 16-22 "Farm Safety and Health Week" in Pennsylvania.

"Farming is a hazardous but essential job, requiring long hours to produce the food, fuel and fiber that contribute to the well-being of all Pennsylvanians," Governor Rendell said. "So that agriculture may continue to be the leading industry, we must recognize the hazards associated with farming and work together to reduce the risks."

Farming is among the nation's most dangerous occupations, accounting for 23 fatalities in Pennsylvania in 2006. Five of the fatalities were children under age 9. Each year, more than 3,000 farm-related injuries are reported in the state, while an estimated 12,000 may go unreported.

Pennsylvania plays an active role in educating farmers about farm safety issues to prevent accidents and fatalities. It is one of only two states in the nation with a Farm Safety & Occupational Health Act, with Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff serving as chairman of the advisory board.

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture supports farm safety day camps for youth and adults, the Farm Safety Quiz Bowl which helps youth develop interest in farm safety issues, the PA Ag Rescue program which offers rescue training for its first responders and farm families, and the PA Agromedicine Program for the development of new curricula for teaching farm safety. The department also sponsors the national Farm Safety 4 Just Kids program.

"We have made great strides in farm safety education among parents and youth," said Wolff. "Unfortunately, children are still being injured on farms. We must continue our efforts to educate our farmers of tomorrow to ensure that they remain safe."

Children and youth day will be observed on Sept. 19, recognizing the importance of on-farm youth safety with the theme, "It's easier to bury a tradition than a child." Children younger than 12 years old should not be on or near tractors or dangerous areas even with adult supervision.

During Farm Safety and Health Week, Governor Rendell recognizes the contributions of farmers and the importance of farm safety education to the development of safe working environments.

For a list of farm safety tips or more information about the department's farm safety programs, contact Phil Pitzer at 717-772-5206 or visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us and click on "Producers.'

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.

EDITOR'S NOTE: the text of Governor Rendell's proclamation follows.

PROCLAMATION

FARM SAFTEY AND HEALTH WEEK
September 16-22, 2007

CHILDREN AND YOUTH DAY
September 19, 2007

WHEREAS, Agriculture is one of Pennsylvania's leading industries and remains a vital part of our commonwealth for the future; and

WHEREAS, agricultural production in Pennsylvania involves family members and agricultural workers who endure long, laborious hours producing the food, fuel, and fiber important to the sustainability of this commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, that commitment often includes potentially harmful encounters with farm machinery, livestock, chemicals, and other hazardous workplace conditions that can have a significant impact on the health and safety of agricultural workers; and

WHEREAS, children, because of their natural curiosity, may be exposed to dangerous situations involving farm machinery, large animals, chemicals, and water hazards, and youth, because they assume farm responsibilities at a young age, may be performing tasks beyond their age and ability; and

WHEREAS, older farmers, who represent a significant percentage of the agricultural workforce, may be at greater risk of injury due to sensory and physical limitations; and

WHEREAS, we must work together with agricultural safety and health professionals to control and mitigate the risks to those who live and work in rural environments.

THEREFORE, In recognition of the needs of the agricultural industry and citizens of this commonwealth to practice farm safety, keeping our next generation of farmers safe and healthy so that agriculture may continue to be the leading industry in Pennsylvania, I, Edward G. Rendell, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim September 16-22, 2007 as FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH WEEK, and September 19, 2007, as FARM SAFETY AND HEALTH DAY FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH in Pennsylvania.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this tenth day of September in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and thirty-second.

EDWARD G. RENDELL
Governor

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