Using Smartphone Technology on the Farm

Statistics Canada reports that 78 per cent of Canadian households have cellphones, with ownership highest in Alberta (87.9 per cent). Technology has come a long way since the first cellphone, weighing in at one kilogram, was introduced in 1973. The market now has phones which truly are no longer ‘just phones’ because of their increased technological capacity. Most smartphones are well under 200 grams, making them extremely portable and convenient. Technologies that used to require entire rooms or specialized training now fit in the palm of a hand.
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Aside from an important communication tool during remote tasks, there may be other functions that could be managed by these technologies. On the farm, it may be possible to consider the use of smartphones when thinking and planning for safety first! Here are some suggestions:

Alarm clock: Set reminders to take scheduled breaks and try to get enough sleep. Farming can be hard on our bodies! It’s important to eat healthy meals, drink enough water and sleep.

Conversion calculator: Convert units quickly for easier calculations. Don’t run the risk of miscalculating a chemical mix or dilution because you were guessing the conversion formula.

Decibel meter: Not sure if you need hearing protection? A decibel meter can quickly answer that! Protection is recommended for anything over 80 decibels and mandatory protection is required at 100 decibels or higher.

First Aid refresher: St. John’s Ambulance has a free First Aid app, but it should never take the place of hands-on certified training.

Maps: Use the ‘drop pin’ function to e-mail or text your location to family, employees or employer. It may not be exact, but it could get someone close enough to you in the event of an emergency.

Weather: Before heading out, check the weather by viewing hourly weather updates and meteorological maps. Your clothing or plans may change based on what’s forecasted for the area.

YouTube: Watch videos from reputable sources. Mark good videos as favourites and suggest them to your employer or employees at the next safety tail-gate meeting.

As with any tool on the farm, cellphones and smartphones should only be used when it is safe to do so and according to a farm’s or an employer’s guidelines. The technology can be distracting and should never be used while operating equipment or when performing potentially hazardous tasks. An inattentive equipment operator could unintentionally cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages, injuries and potential loss of life.

There is only so much technology can do to keep us safe. Workers must still be alert and take training.

Source: Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development