ATLANTA—Agricultural safety is one of the best investments for farmers and ranchers.

That’s why the American Farm Bureau Federation is partnering with the National Institute for Occupational Safety to promote Ag Safety Awareness Week March 5-11.

The Agricultural Safety Awareness Program provides leadership and assistance to local and state Farm Bureaus to promote safety and health in agricultural and rural communities. During the weeklong celebration, agricultural groups will focus on different aspects of farm safety each day, including work in confined animal spaces; equipment operation; electrical safety; and driving precautions.

“Our members’ safety is of utmost importance, and since we are the state’s largest agriculture advocacy group, farm safety is a priority,” noted Sam Rooks, underwriting and policy services vice president for the Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. “We will be promoting this important celebration to all of our members—both farmers and non-farmers.”

Agriculture ranks among the nation’s most hazardous industries. In 1990, the NIOSH developed an extensive agricultural safety and health program to address the high risks of injuries and illnesses experienced by agricultural workers and their families. The organization also collects information from farm operators on known hazards such as animals, manure pits, silos and grain bins, pesticides, noise and the use of all-terrain vehicles and tractors.

Media: Contact Rooks at 804-290-1372 or Kitty Hendricks, NIOSH, at 800-232-4636.