As the future of farm safety policy takes shape, Alberta’s crop commissions, comprised of elected farmer representatives, are ready and willing to contribute to the discussion.
“Alberta’s crop commissions look forward to working with the Government of Alberta on this critical issue,” said Alberta Barley chairman Mike Ammeter. “Our farmers take the safety of our families and our workers very seriously and have much to contribute to this discussion.”
The Government of Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Skills, Training and Labour has indicated that removing the agriculture exemption from The Occupational Health and Safety Act is a priority. Currently Alberta is the only province in the country where agriculture is not included in occupational health and safety legislation, which could potentially jeopardize Canada’s position in international trade agreements.
As far as measures that go above and beyond removal of the exemption, Alberta’s crop commissions believe that consultation with the agriculture sector is necessary to ensure a successful outcome for farmers and farm workers.
“We believe that accident and fatality investigations should be in place to collect all possible information so that we can work towards the most inclusive and effective on-farm education and training,” said Alberta Canola Producers Commission chairman Lee Markert. “However, we also need time to consider any additional safety measures and how it could affect the multitude of varying operations in agriculture.”
Source : AlbertaCanola