HR0268 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0268 LRB103 32260 ECR 61509 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the agriculture sector is one of the most dangerous in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the farming profession sees over 500 fatalities nationwide; and

WHEREAS, According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), most farm-related injuries and deaths are caused by tractor overturns, which result in approximately 130 deaths each year nationwide on average; and

WHEREAS, Additional injuries and deaths stem from grain storage facilities, which can be especially risky; and

WHEREAS, Farm safety extends to members of the public as well; while sharing the road with farm vehicles, visibility is key to safety on the roads; drivers should remember that farm vehicle operators have limited visibility to the rear, and anyone passing such a vehicle should use extreme caution; and

WHEREAS, It is important to bring awareness not only to the physical dangers of farming but to the emotional toll it takes on the farming community as well; while we highlight confined spaces safety, roadway safety, and other traditional farming hazards, it is also important to encourage farmers to take care of their own health; and

WHEREAS, As we enter the farming season, it is more important than ever to follow best practices to safeguard farmers and farm workers; now is the time to remind employers and farm workers to put safety first; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare September 17 through September 23, 2023 as Farm Safety Week in the State of Illinois.