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The 2023 National Farm Safety and Health Week will be observed Sept. 17-23.

This year’s theme is “No One Can Take Your Place.” Each day of the week will have a specific focus.

North Carolina Farm Bureau ask the public to join in on observing this special week, which includes the following:

Monday (Sept. 18) – Tractor Safety & Rural Roadway Safety. Each year there are hundreds of crashes on rural roads that involve farm equipment. Motorists can prevent rural roadway crashes by doing your part: Slow down. Be patient. For farmers, maintaining good lighting and marking on farm equipment are practical ways that operators of equipment can stay safe on the road and prevent crashes.

Tuesday (Sept. 19) – Health and Wellness. Farmers, farmworkers, and producers face potentially life-threatening risks from hazards like exposure to chemicals and irritants, wildfires, and extreme temperatures and conditions. Find tips and tools on how to keep you, your family, and farm workers safe from harmful environmental exposures.

Wednesday (Sept. 20) – Priority Populations. Protect the most important thing you’ll ever raise….your children! Be a parent first, farmer second. Do all you can to make your farm safe for children. Keep young children out of the worksite and off equipment by creating areas for safe play.

Additionally, working with animals is an excellent way to instill responsibility in children on the farm. However, this duty comes with some hidden risks that may go unnoticed by children. Teaching youth how to interact with livestock can help prevent injury and promote safety

Thursday (Sept. 21) – Confined Spaces in Agriculture. On farms, confined spaces like tanks, silos, and storage bins can be dangerous. Different hazards can exist like toxic gasses, lack of oxygen, or moving parts or equipment that can cause falls, engulfment, or suffocation. Learn the safe entry procedures before entering!

Friday (Sept. 22) – Brain Health. How to cope? Be honest about your feelings, seek support, and share your experience with others who can relate.