103 STAT. 3036 PROCLAMATION 5977—MAY 12, 1989 and of the Independence of the United States of America the two h\m- dred and thirteenth. GEORGE BUSH Proclamation 5977 of May 12, 1989 National Farm Safety Week, 1989 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation Throughout our Nation's history, agricultvu'e has been a soiirce of strength and pride. Providing food for a growing country and settUng a vast continent, farmers and ranchers have been vital to the develop- ment of American culture and commerce. Today, our country shares an abundance of agricultmral goods with millions of people aroimd the world. Unfortimately, farmers and ranchers are often seriously hurt or dis- abled by accidents or illness. Far too often, tragic accidents on farms and ranches involve children. Agriculture's accidental death and injury rates are now among the highest of all major industries, bringing dev- astating losses and suffering to rural families and their communities. Although much as been done to reduce risks to the health and safety of ranch and farm workers, we must do more to preserve the well-being of those who give us so much. Simple, inexpensive measures could pre- vent most accidents and work-related illnesses. Individuals can avoid injury and illness by exercising greater caution during the course of their daily activities and by using recommended protective gear. Equip- ment manufactiu'ers can help prevent accidents by installing improved safety features on farm machinery. Parents and rural schools can pro- tect children by teaching them rules of safety. During National Farm Safety Week, we express our concern, as well as oxii appreciation, for the Nation's farmers and ranchers. Because autmnn brings the rush of harvest to rural America, this busy season is an appropriate time to underscore our concern for farm and ranch fami- lies by renewing our support for efforts to improve their health and safety. A season marked by the sense of accomplishment and produc- tivity should not be marred by tragedy. NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE BUSH, 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 Septem- ber 17 through September 23, 1989, as National Farm Safety Week. I virge all persons who live and work on farms and ranches to slow down and take every precaution to protect their safety and health—on the job, on the road, at home, and at lei8iu*e. I also iirge them to protect their children by example and instruction in safe practices. I call upon organizations involved in agriculture to strengthen their support for community health and safety programs, and I encourage all >^ericans to take part in appropriate activities in observance of National Farm Safety Week as we acknowledge the immense contributions that men and women in agriculture make to our Nation.
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