In 2022, 12 people died because of farm related "incidents" in Canada.
This week, March 12–18, 2023, is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week – a week dedicated to promoting farm safety. It’s one of those things that you think will never happen to you. For example, a farm family in Casselman, Ontario, felt the same way, but then in November 2022 an 82-year-old farmer was fatally injured when the truck he was driving in his farm field struck a ditch. This too could happen to you.
According to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, agriculture in Canada is one of the most dangerous industries to work in.
The first step in preventing farm incidents or accidents -- is to identify hazards. Hazards can include equipment, chemicals, and the working environment.
Of course, farm safety is about more than just being aware of hazards. It’s about engaging in conversations that reflect on the importance of farm safety so that everyone makes safety a priority and takes it seriously.
No one thinks it will happen to them, but you need to commit to farm safety. You have to commit to making farm safety a priority each and every day of the year, to ensure no one gets hurt on your farm.
Ensure anyone who works on your farm, family or employee, is trained to be aware of the hazards they may encounter, let them know what tools are available to help them and to protect them. Also, let them know that you encourage safe, not risky, behaviours.
This Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, celebrate Your Farm, Your Family, Your Success. For more information and resources to help you commit to safety, visit agsafetyweek.ca.