With spring quickly approaching and Ontario farmers getting ready to start a new growing season, it is important to remind everyone that they have a role to play in helping ensure our farms are safe places to live, work and raise a family.
Currently in its 10th year, March 15 to 21 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, a week-long public education campaign that serves as an opportunity to reflect on the importance of farm safety and provide producers with the resources needed to make their farms safer.
Farmers can improve farm safety by:
- Providing employees with proper agricultural equipment/machinery training to reduce on job accidents
- Following safe farm vehicle procedures including proper lighting, speed limits and appropriate signaling
- Preventing musculoskeletal disorders by ensuring staff take breaks from repetitive work and long hours
- Familiarizing themselves with heat stress and knowing the five steps to prevent it
Supporting safety in Ontario's agricultural sector is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four part plan is building Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.
Source: OMAFRA