Agriculture ranks among the most hazardous industries. Farmers/ranchers are at very high risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries; and farming/ranching are one of the few industries in which family members (who often share the work and live on the premises) are also at risk for fatal and nonfatal injuries. While a better, more uniform method of reporting and compiling information is needed, the annual mortality from farm accidents is currently estimated at 60 to 70 per 100,000 of farm population, while nonfatal injuries occur to about 33% of the farming population annually in the United States, with 3% of those accidents resulting in a permanent disability. (Source: National Ag Safety Database.)

This year, National Farm Safety and Health Week is September 15 – 21, 2024 with the theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident”. Every September, AgriSafe joins with partners across the US to raise awareness about the safety and health of people working in agriculture. AgriSafe was formed in 2003 by rural nurses who believed that together they could improve the health and safety of farmers and ranchers. Believing that preventative education is key to reduce the workplace rates of injuries and fatalities, AgriSafe is hosting eleven free webinars from Monday, September 16 through Friday, September 20. You’re encouraged to join in for all of them or just pick the ones that interest you most. Thanks to various generous sponsors, these webinars are FREE and open to the public!