This is National Farm Safety and Health Week

By CnAgri2012-09-18 19:29:50 Print

The International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health urges everyone involved in agriculture to recognize National Farm Safety and Health Week and promote awareness of safety solutions year round.

This year's theme, "Agricultural Safety and Health... A Family Affair," focuses on the family farm.

"Although farming in many regions is moving toward larger operations, a great percentage of the agricultural industry is still based on the family unit," said ISASH President George Cook, University of Vermont. "The protection and well-being of farm family members remains one of the guiding principles of ISASH."

Agriculture is more than seven times as hazardous as other U.S. industries, with 621 fatalities in 2010, according to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injury.

ISASH approaches agricultural safety and health from multiple perspectives. Its membership includes engineers, educators, insurers, physicians, nurses, veterinarians, statisticians, communicators, business leaders and others who contribute to a safer and healthier agricultural work place.

The organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary. ISASH incorporated in 1962 as National Institute for Farm Safety.