Every farm is different, but there are key goals that are required to keep family and others safe and prevent accidents
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Alta. — Everything can be a risk on the farm but too often taking a shortcut results in life-changing injuries. For the last few years in Alberta, 18 people have died in farm accidents, said Maria Champagne of AgSafe. A first responder who also lives on a farm, Champagne offers advice to […] Read moreTag Archives farm safety — page 8
Farm safety resource hopes to improve child-care access
A farm safety organization has developed a new tool designed to improve access to child care, potentially reducing children’s exposure to hazards. The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety, in partnership with the Migrant Clinicians Network, released the new resource on Aug. 12, billing it as a road map that could […] Read more
Beware of power lines: SaskPower
SaskPower is reminding farmers to take care around power lines during harvest after an increasing number of contacts through the growing season. Since April 1, there have been 240 reported incidents of machinery contacting electrical lines. That’s up from 230 at the same time last year. Spokesperson Joel Cherry said despite continuous efforts to remind […] Read more
Will Ont. farm death verdict lead to safer practices?
A recent court case that saw an Ontario farmer convicted of criminal negligence in the death of his son could encourage more farmers to improve safety, according to experts. In the history-making case, Justice Julia Morneau of the Ontario Court of Justice on Aug. 8 sentenced farmer Emanuel Bauman with a 10-year driving prohibition and […] Read more
Alta.’s UCP vows to repeal farm safety law
The plan to repeal the law and launch new consultations sparks debate with government leading into provincial election
RIMBEY, Alta. — The future of Alberta’s farm safety legislation is hanging in the balance as the province heads into an election this spring. The opposition United Conservative Party and governing NDP are sparring over the UCP’s plans to kill the new safety rules imposed by the NDP, the legislation otherwise known as Bill 6, […] Read more
Alta. firefighters practice grain entrapment rescue
RED DEER — Grain can be deadly. In mid-October of 2015, three young sisters northwest of Red Deer died in a farm accident when they became buried in canola seed. Earlier that same autumn, a teenaged boy and his grandfather suffered the same fate on a farm in southwestern Saskatchewan. Dave Brand, director of Community […] Read more
Alta. farmers still uncertain over safety rules
These are the requirements that apply to farms with paid employees. They don’t apply to family members, neighbours or friends helping out:
Confusion continues over Alberta’s new farm safety rules, which took effect earlier this month. The rules require farms and ranches with paid employees to follow a set of safety guidelines, as well as have coverage from the Workers’ Compensation Board, but some producers are still unsure about how they apply to their operations, said Jody […] Read more
Family farm accident sheds light on safety awareness
While cutting hay in August 2017, Peter Flondra noticed something wrong when he saw smoke a short distance away coming from a different field. He called his wife, Mary, and daughter, Tamara, to immediately check it out. When they arrived, they discovered the whole bale hiker that their son Greg was using was on fire. […] Read more
Alta. farm safety grant program now open
Producers looking to enhance safety on their farm or ranch can now apply for grants from the Alberta government. The province recently announced it is now accepting applications for farm safety grants. Farms operations with paid, non-family employees can apply. The province announced the grant program earlier this summer as part of upcoming changes to […] Read more
Alberta gov’t unveils new farm safety rules
The new rules, which go into effect Dec. 1, address seatbelt use, operating older equipment and conducting inspections
Alberta farms and ranches with paid employees will soon be required to follow a slate of new safety rules, some of which address using seatbelts, operating older equipment and conducting inspections. The province announced the incoming changes last week in an effort to strike a balance between keeping farm workers safe while ensuring operators can […] Read more
