[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]


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  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. 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.

                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]]

                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