[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 186 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 50473-50474]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-25698]
Presidential Documents
Federal Register / Vol. 62, No. 186 / Thursday, September 25, 1997 /
Presidential Documents
[[Page 50473]]
Proclamation 7026 of September 19, 1997
National Farm Safety and Health Week, 1997
By the President of the United States of America
A Proclamation
From the earliest days of our Nation, the men and
women who work the land have held a special place in
America's heart, history, and economy. Many of us are
no more than a few generations removed from forebears
whose determination and hard work on farms and fields
helped to build our Nation and shape its values. While
the portion of our population directly involved in
agriculture has diminished over the years, those who
live and work on America's farms and ranches continue
to make extraordinary contributions to the quality of
our national life and the strength of our economy.
The life of a farmer or rancher has never been easy.
The work is hard, physically challenging, and uniquely
subject to the forces of nature; the chemicals and
labor-saving machinery that have helped American
farmers become so enormously productive have also
brought with them new health hazards; and working with
livestock can result in frequent injury to agricultural
workers and their families.
Fortunately, there are measures we can take to reduce
agriculture-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
Manufacturers continue to improve the safety features
of farming equipment; protective clothing and safety
gear can reduce the exposure of workers to the health
threats posed by chemicals, noise, dust, and sun;
training in first-aid procedures and access to good
health care can often mean the difference between life
and death.
The key to all these safety measures is education.
During National Farm Safety and Health Week, I
encourage America's farmers, ranchers, and other
agricultural workers to remain alert to the dangers
inherent in their livelihood. By learning about and
using the latest safety features of farming equipment
and vehicles, wearing personal protective gear and
clothing, and practicing good preventive health care,
they can avoid or reduce many of the hazards they face
each day. It is particularly important to teach our
young people on farms and ranches about proper safety
measures, to provide safe areas where children can
play, and to monitor their activities. Their experience
and maturity must always be considered before they are
allowed to participate in farm or ranch work.
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 September 21
through September 27, 1997, as National Farm Safety and
Health Week. I call upon government agencies,
educational institutions, businesses, and professional
associations that serve our agricultural sector to
strengthen efforts to promote safety and health
measures among our Nation's farm and ranch workers. I
ask agricultural workers to take advantage of available
technology, training, and information that can help
them prevent injury and illness. I also call upon all
Americans to observe Wednesday, September 24, 1997, as
a day to focus on the risks facing young people on our
Nation's farms and ranches and to reflect during this
week on the bounty that we enjoy thanks to the hard
work and dedication of America's agricultural workers.
[[Page 50474]]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
nineteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord
nineteen hundred and ninety-seven, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two
hundred and twenty-second.
(Presidential Sig.)
[FR Doc. 97-25698
Filed 9-24-97; 8:59 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P
