FARM SAFETY Too much automation can reduce operator awareness and contribute to more worker injuries
Today’s farm machinery is bigger, faster, more powerful and more expensive than ever before. And in many cases, it also offers a greater level of automation, taking pressure off the operator to perform mundane tasks accurately and efficiently, such as steering in a straight line between headlands. However, according to University of Saskatchewan researcher Behzad […] Read moreTag Archives farm safety
Back pain risks high when riding horseback
FARM SAFETY Research has found that sitting in machinery for too long without a break can also put farmers at risk
A recent study is suggesting farmers may want to take breaks more often to prevent back pain because risks can become high when horseback riding or sitting in cabs for too long. The research, conducted by the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, analyzed vibration and shock rates when farmers are using equipment […] Read more
‘Third shift’ leads to healthier women
FARM SAFETY Research finds women who work both on and off the farm and care for children are likely to be healthier
In a twist that has surprised researchers, a study has found that farm women who do more work are likely to be healthier than those who do less. Their study, spearheaded by the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture, looks at what they call the third shift. Women who are part of this […] Read more
Implementing farm safety rules not hard: consultant
Some farmers in Alberta are concerned they don’t have enough resources and say they need help to implement programs
As Alberta farmers and ranchers gear up for new safety rules, consultants hope to ease their concerns by providing solutions they say will make the new guidelines workable. For one, a binder on a shelf just isn’t going to cut it, according to Reg Steward, a ranch safety consultant with AgSafe B.C. Instead, he recommends […] Read more
Alta. to extend consultations on farm safety rules
The Alberta government is extending the consultation period on new farm safety rules. Alberta agriculture minister Oneil Carlier said Jan. 15 that farmers, ranchers, local governments and industry groups now have until Feb. 26 to weigh in. “We had a few individuals and municipalities that were looking for a little bit more time,” Carlier said. […] Read more
Farm safety group restructures in Alberta
An organization formed to equip Alberta farmers and ranchers with farm safety information and guidance is now in transition. AgSafe Alberta is an agricultural industry-led group formed after the provincial government enacted the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act, previously known as Bill 6, amid much controversy. Using $500,000 from the federal-provincial Growing […] Read more
VIDEO: Program explains consequences when farm safety ignored
TABER, Alta. — Fresh shavings cover the floor of this classroom in a barn on a farm near Taber. Some of the time the Alberta high school students enrolled in AGR 3000, an agricultural safety course, listen to instructors and take notes at their tables. At other times, they examine sites and farm equipment where […] Read more
When things go sideways …do you know what to do?
EDMONTON — Alberta’s Bill 6 has opened the door to addressing safety, say agricultural safety experts. “I saw it as an opportunity to talk about safety, raise the profile of safety in people’s minds,” said Dan Trottier of Ag Safe Alberta. “As a result, people are working toward more complex safety management systems for their […] Read more
Make a plan, stick to the plan
EDMONTON — Farm safety is a big concern for rancher Trevor Tapp of Fraser Lake, B.C., who lives an hour from the local hospital and hours away from a fire hall. Speaking at the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s annual conference in Edmonton Oct. 3, he said he has a written safety plan, emergency numbers and […] Read more
The preventable tragedy
LANGHAM, Sask. — Three or four people are usually killed every year in grain bin accidents, says Glen Blahey of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association. “We never know about close calls because they’re not reported.” Most people who become entrapped in a grain bin do not survive. The number of entrapments is increasing in all […] Read more
