[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 130, 114th Congress, 2nd Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
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.

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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
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-
first.
BARACK OBAMA