Illinois Highlights Farm Safety Week to Raise Awareness of Agricultural Risks

September 15 through 21 is Farm Safety Week in Illinois, highlighting the urgent need for caution in one of the nation’s most hazardous professions. With more than 500 farming-related fatalities occurring annually across the U.S., tractor accidents top the list, alongside grain bin incidents and chemical exposures. Farmers routinely work in challenging environments and face unique risks from machinery, animals, and weather. Public awareness is equally important, as motorists often encounter slow-moving farm vehicles with limited visibility on local roads. The Governor’s proclamation encourages conversations about equipment operation, health practices, and safe behaviors to avert tragedies both on and off the farm. Illinois Representative Dan Swanson, who is also a farmer, talks about farm safety week.