Reading Time: 4 minutes Take your pick: The Alberta government’s approach to consultations on workplace safety regulations are a “sham,” possibly OK, or just what’s needed. The provincial government has set up six working groups — each with 12 members plus an independent chair — to develop workplace safety rules on farms and ranches. Of the 78 members, 23 […] Read more
Farm safety consultations get mixed reviews
AgCoalition is hopeful, safety expert is pleased, but at least one farm group says the entire process is another ‘slap in the face’
Identify fire risks and take steps to protect your farm or ranch
There are a number of things that can — and should — be done to minimize the impact of fire
Reading Time: 3 minutes There are several things you can do to minimize the impact of fire. “In a lot of cases, it’s like a risk management process,” said Brad Andres, director of emergency management services with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. “Ask yourself about on-farm safety and identify the risks that could really affect your operation.” Being prepared with […] Read more
Business training funds available
Reading Time: < 1 minute The Business Management Skills Development Program, has recently undergone a few minor changes, including a revised application form. The program helps producers, agri-processing companies, and agricultural organizations, and improves their business management skills. Funding is available for courses or programs that are focused on business management skills and training — including marketing, productivity, financial management, […] Read more
Hutterite colony creates first-of-its-kind farm safety program
The Viking Colony is partnering with a safety expert to create a program geared to Hutterite colonies and their diverse enterprises
Reading Time: 3 minutes Paul Wipf has a passion for safety and has always wanted to raise awareness about farm safety on his colony. That prompted the farm manager of Viking Colony to partner with a workplace health and safety consultant to develop a first-of-its-kind safety program specifically for Hutterite colonies. “This has been in my heart and mind […] Read more
Have you got a plan to stay safe during Plant 2016?
Do you know the symptoms of fatigue?
Reading Time: < 1 minute Fatigue is your enemy at this time of year. “Too many farmers push themselves, especially during the really busy times,” said Kenda Lubeck, farm safety co-ordinator for Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. Fatigue often creeps up on a person. In addition to feeling sleepy and tired, some common symptoms of fatigue include: Headaches, dizziness, and blurry […] Read more
A life changed forever in just a few moments
Farm Safety Week – March 13-19: Bailey Kemery’s story is one of remarkable determination, but also a chilling warning of how things can go terribly wrong in a moment
Reading Time: 3 minutes Bailey Kemery was four years old, growing up on her family’s farm in Major, Sask. when her life changed forever. On April 20, 1994, she and her brother were playing on a tractor-driven rotary tiller that was parked, but running, not far from where her parents were standing in the yard. “The rototiller shook itself […] Read more
Close call changed family’s attitude to safety
A near tragedy 30 years ago made the entire Racine family realize that much more was needed to make their farm safe
Reading Time: 3 minutes Teaching kids to respect hazards is an important part of raising children safely on the farm and much can be learned from close calls. Growing up on the family farm near St. Malo, Man., the Racine children experienced their own close call while playing in a large truck. All five kids had free range of […] Read more
Alberta ag minister promises to work with farm groups
But coalition of farm organizations still waiting to hear details of its role in shaping new workplace regulations
Reading Time: 3 minutes The governmental gears are grinding over who will be at the table for upcoming Bill 6 consultations, but a coalition of farm groups is stuck in “wait and see” mode over what role they’ll play in the shaping of workplace safety regulations. “We had over 50 nomination forms come to the coalition office to be […] Read more
Bill 6 jump-starts important conversations about farm safety
The FarmSafe program offers a step-by-step guide to create a safety plan tailored to your farm
Reading Time: 3 minutes For “safety geek” Dan Trottier, Bill 6 was the shot in the arm that the agriculture industry needed to start the conversation about farm safety. “Bill 6 raised awareness about safety, and now that we’ve got some awareness, we have the opportunity for extension on how to do safety on the farm,” said Trottier, owner […] Read more
How to keep your kids safe on the farm
Reading Time: < 1 minute The North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks is an excellent resource that parents and caregivers can use to guide decisions about what kinds of farming tasks are age appropriate. These guidelines are intended for children and youth between the ages of seven to 16 and are based on childhood development, agricultural practices, principles of […] Read more
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