Yednock Highlights National Farm Safety and Health Week

OTTAWA Ill. – With harvest season beginning, state Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is highlighting National Farm Safety and Health Week to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe during the harvest season.

“Farmers play one of the most pivotal roles in our lives day to day and for our state’s economy. Without their hard work, Illinois would not have the foundation it has as the agriculture industry has been a pillar of the Illinois Valley and its communities,” said Yednock. “Safety always comes first, and it is important to raise awareness for the general public so that our farmers and other agricultural workers remain safe.”

Since 1944, the third week of September has been recognized as National Farm Safety and Health Week. According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics the agriculture industry is still the most dangerous in America with most farmworker injuries and deaths being caused by tractor overturns. These incidents result in about 130 deaths each year nationwide.

“Farming carries a lot of daily risks, and this is a great time to use and learn from the resources available from the state or local farm bureaus and other groups on keeping our farmers and workers safe,” said Yednock. “I look forward to a safe and successful harvest season for our Illinois farmers and continuing to work with them in strengthening and expanding our state’s largest industry.”

Yednock is also using National Farm Safety and Health week as a good time to remind growers and grower farm operators who transport or apply anhydrous ammonia of the April 1, 2022 deadline to be certified to work with anhydrous ammonia.

The Illinois Department of Agriculture, the Illinois Farm Bureau and IFCA are offering free training online and in-person. Please visit the Illinois Department of Agriculture website at https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/agr/Pages/default.aspx for more information.