[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 29, Number 38 (Monday, September 27, 1993)]
[Pages 1833-1834]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 6595--National Farm Safety and Health Week, 1993

 September 21, 1993

By the President of the United States

of America

A Proclamation

    The men and women who toil in America's agricultural sector endure 
many challenges and hardships in bringing to market their diverse and 
high quality foods and grains. This dedication to efficient production 
contrib- 

[[Page 1834]]

utes significantly to the competitiveness of our Nation. Because we 
benefit from the bountiful harvests of these farmers and ranchers, it is 
fitting and appropriate that we observe National Farm Safety and Health 
Week to promote public awareness of the need for and the importance of 
agricultural worker health and safety.
    For decades, much has been accomplished through initiatives aimed at 
providing a safer environment for farmers, ranchers, and farm workers. 
Significant engineering advances have provided guards, shields, and 
protective equipment, which reduce the hazards and risks associated with 
agriculture. Educators and concerned organizations have increased 
knowledge and changed attitudes and behaviors relating to safe work 
practices in the agricultural sector. However, there is still much to be 
accomplished.
    The arena of agricultural worker health presents many challenges. 
Long hours, the pressures associated with growing crops and raising 
livestock, and the vagaries of weather contribute to the creation of 
stressful situations to both body and mind. For example, agricultural 
workers have been shown to be particularly susceptible to skin problems, 
most notably skin cancer, due to exposure to the sun. Prolonged periods 
of loud noise are contributing to higher than normal levels of permanent 
hearing loss among farmers and ranchers. Constant exposure to hazardous 
chemicals may also predispose workers to health problems. While farming 
and ranching offer their practitioners many great returns, it should be 
recognized that agricultural professions are among the most dangerous.
    The next generation of farmers and ranchers is at special risk. 
Children are routinely exposed to powerful, complex farm equipment. Some 
chemicals and some work hazards such as dusts and flowing grain may 
detrimentally affect the health and safety of children. Their maturity 
and development must always be considered with regard to agricultural 
work. During National Farm Safety and Health Week, all of our Nation's 
citizens should resolve to make health and safety initiatives an 
integral part of America's great farming traditions.
    Now, Therefore, I, William J. Clinton, President of the United 
States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the 
Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim the Week 
of September 19-25, 1993, as ``National Farm Safety and Health Week.'' I 
urge all citizens of our great Nation to make the enhancement of farmer, 
rancher and farm worker health of utmost priority. I call upon the 
agencies, organizations and businesses which serve production 
agriculture to strengthen their commitment to agricultural safety and 
health programs.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty-first 
day of September, in the year of our Lord nineteen hundred and ninety-
three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two 
hundred and eighteenth.
                                            William J. Clinton

[Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 2:50 p.m., September 22, 
1993]

Note: This proclamation was published in the Federal Register on 
September 24.