March 18th is National Ag Day in the United States
By Diego Flammini, Farms.com
Safety is a critical component to any industry and regardless how simple the practices seem, they create a much safer and healthier work environment for coworkers and visitors.
Doctors and nurses wear masks and surgical gloves to keep their hands clean and stop them from inhaling any illnesses they might come into contact with.
Mechanics, construction workers and others wear steel-toed boots to keep their feet protected from falling tools or other supplies.
With all the potentially dangerous machinery associated with farming, safety is a very important topic.
Canada is currently celebrating its 10th anniversary of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, spotlighting the dangers that farming can have and coming up with solutions to keep everyone on a farm safe. The week-long safety campaign will wrap up March 21st.
Agriculture is considered Canada’s third most hazardous sector of work. The Alberta Medical Examiner’s Office reported 16 fatalities in 2013 and 308 total between 1990 and 2005. Machines were responsible for about 71% of the deaths.
In Ontario, farm injury costs are estimated near $116 million annually. The agri-food sector employs more than 760,000 people and provides more than $34 billion to Ontario’s economy.
The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) provided safety tips farmers can employ during the upcoming season:
- Provide employees with machinery training
- Ensure machines are properly maintained and operated
- Give staff breaks during long days
- Understanding heat stress and how it can be prevented
South of the border, the United States is celebrating National Ag Day.
All day on March 18th and across the country, agriculture will be celebrated with demonstrations, information sessions and other activities.
In Iowa, Agriculture Secretary Bill Northey is encouraging people to document their day on a farm by uploading photos using the hashtag #ADayinIAag.
Join the conversation and tell us some of the safety tips you practice on your farm. Will you be attending any of the National Ag Day celebrations? Let us know how you enjoyed them.