ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith today declared the week of September 18th to be “Farm Safety and Health Week” in Minnesota – highlighting the state’s efforts to alleviate a recent rise in injuries and deaths. Between 2003 and 2013, workplace fatalities in Minnesota’s agricultural industry rose by 30 percent, while another recent study found that the occupational fatality rate for farmers is 800 percent higher than other industries. 

 

In Minnesota, the leading cause of injury or death for agricultural workers are tractor rollovers. However, for some Minnesota farmers, retrofitting older tractors with roll bars and other safety equipment can be cost-prohibitive. 

 

“Minnesota’s farmers work hard to feed people around the world, and take care of their families and communities,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “Minnesota’s new Rollover Protective Structures Rebate Program helps to take care of them by defraying the costs of important improvements to aging farm equipment that would otherwise lack modern safety features.”

 

During the 2016 Session, Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith worked with the Minnesota Legislature to create the Rollover Protective Structures Rebate Program to mitigate injuries and deaths caused by rollovers. The program reimburses farmers and schools at least 70 percent of the cost of purchasing, shipping, and installing a rollover protection kit. Roll bars and seat belts are 99 percent effective in preventing death and serious injury in the event of a rollover.

 

“Late summer into early fall is one of the busiest times of year for farmers,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson. “I know how hard farmers are working during harvest, but if they take the time to look over farm safety practices and educate their employees on farm safety, Minnesota’s farmers can help prevent very serious injuries and save lives.”

 

Lt. Governor Smith was joined by Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Dave Frederickson, state legislators, and farmers for the event, which focused on highlighting new strategies for reducing injuries in Minnesota’s Ag industry. As the harvest season begins, they encouraged farmers to safeguard their health and that of their family members and employees by reviewing their safety practices. 

 

In addition to financial support from the State of Minnesota, the Rollover Protective Structures Rebate Program received support from CHS, Land O’Lakes, Cargill, ADM, AgCountry, United FCS, AgStar and AgriBank. Minnesotans can learn more about the Rollover Protective Structures Rebate Program or apply for a grant on the Department of Agriculture website.