National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2016

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 184 (Thursday, September 22, 2016)]

[Presidential Documents]

[Pages 65171-65172]

From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[FR Doc No: 2016-22959]

Presidential Documents

Federal Register / Vol. 81 , No. 184 / Thursday, September 22, 2016 /

Presidential Documents

[[Page 65171]]

Proclamation 9498 of September 16, 2016

National Farm Safety and Health Week, 2016

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

For generations, farmers and ranchers have formed the

backbone of our economy and shaped the course of our

Nation. They have served as critical stewards of our

environment and natural resources. Toiling day in and

day out in rural communities across our country, their

dedication and dogged work ethic provide us with food,

fuel, and other necessities, sustaining our people and

our communities. Throughout National Farm Safety and

Health Week, we honor their significant contributions

by reaffirming our commitment to bolstering programs

and practices that promote health and safety on

America's farms.

Millions of farmers and their families face a variety

of unsafe conditions when they wake up for work each

morning. Extreme weather, and exposure to livestock or

hazardous chemicals can pose threats to their safety.

Much of their work takes place in dangerous

environments and with potentially harmful equipment,

such as wells, silos, and grain bins. And putting in

long hours of physical labor can also cause illness or

injury

er, and exposure to livestock or

hazardous chemicals can pose threats to their safety.

Much of their work takes place in dangerous

environments and with potentially harmful equipment,

such as wells, silos, and grain bins. And putting in

long hours of physical labor can also cause illness or

injury. Our farmers and ranchers are exposed to too

many of these dangers, and we must ensure they are

equipped with the tools, trainings, and resources they

need to take proper precautions and safety measures in

their workplaces.

To reduce work-related accidents and deaths among

farming communities, my Administration has encouraged

regular participation in health and safety programs.

Increasing awareness of proper procedures is crucial,

and farmers and farmworkers can improve their safety

practices by correctly handling materials and

inspecting machinery, paying careful attention to

instructions and labels on products and equipment, and

practicing and communicating plans for emergency

response. Because many farms and ranches are family

businesses, we have partnered with people across our

country to help formalize youth farm safety education

to improve farm safety for children.

instructions and labels on products and equipment, and

practicing and communicating plans for emergency

response. Because many farms and ranches are family

businesses, we have partnered with people across our

country to help formalize youth farm safety education

to improve farm safety for children.

The best farmers in the world have enriched our Nation

and driven our agriculture sector forward; it is our

shared duty to ensure their health and safety, because

we all have a stake in the well-being of those who

provide us with food and energy. By maintaining safe

work environments and taking steps to practice caution

on our farms, we can minimize risks and increase

productivity in one of the greatest and most essential

industries in America.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the

United States of America, by virtue of the authority

vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the

United States, do hereby proclaim September 18 through

September 24, 2016, as National Farm Safety and Health

Week. I call upon the agencies, organizations,

businesses, and extension services that serve America's

agricultural workers to strengthen their commitment to

promoting farm safety and health programs. I also urge

Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and

express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and

farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two

thousand sixteen, and of the

[[Page 65172]]

Americans to honor our agricultural heritage and

express appreciation to our farmers, ranchers, and

farmworkers for their contributions to our Nation.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this

sixteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two

thousand sixteen, and of the

[[Page 65172]]

Independence of the United States of America the two

hundred and forty-first.

(Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. 2016-22959

Filed 9-21-16; 8:45 am]

Billing code 3295-F6-P