This March, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) and the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) are encouraging producers to talk about farm safety as part of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), which runs from March 9 to 15, 2014.
CASW is an annual public education campaign focusing on the importance of safe agriculture. The 2014 theme is “Let’s Talk About It!”
“This year we are showcasing stories of producers who have experienced injuries or who have made innovations for safety on their farm, and we’re putting these stories to video as part of our Let’s Talk About It! Video Series to help get the word out in a new way,” says Marcel Hacault, Executive Director of CASA. “We’ve also developed resources for farmers that will help them conduct safety meetings and explore topics like talking to your kids around safety or overcoming language and cultural barriers with migrant workers,” he adds. “The idea is to get people talking about farm safety as a first step towards a safer, more successful farm.”
“It’s human nature to think ‘it won’t happen to me,’ but unfortunately it can, especially if we continue on with this approach. Taking preventative, proactive measures is one of the best things we can do for our farm and workers. We hope that through safety week and through hearing from other farmers about their experiences, we shed some light on the necessity of farm safety and practical ways to make it happen on the farm,” says CFA President Ron Bonnett.
“In our fast-paced industry, it’s important to take the time to think about the safety and well-being of the people who grow our food,” says Remi Lemoine, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at FCC. “We’re committed to helping Canadian producers stay safe at work, and encourage thoughtful planning through written health and safety plans.”
“Agriculture ... is not only a significant economic driver, it’s a way of life,” says David Sprague, CEO of Agriculture for Life. “Ag for Life and its founders support the well-being of this industry by providing farm and rural safety programming to children, youth and adults in schools and in their communities. Encouraging our farm families and communities to talk about safety during Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is a great way to raise the awareness of keeping everyone safe and we’re honoured to be part of this national initiative.”
For more information go to www.agsafetyweek.ca.
CASW partners/sponsors include the Government of Canada through Growing Forward 2, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative, Farm Credit Canada, Ag for Life, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development, CHS, Imperial Oil and Pioneer Hi-Bred Limited.
Source: Canadian Agriculture Safety Association