Reading Time: 5 minutes Peter Friesen knew something was wrong as soon as the auger stalled. His warning to his five-year-old son Ernie to stay back and “not come any closer than this,” had gone unheeded. The boy had been running around with a dog nearby, and Peter had warned him to stay back, to “not come any closer […] Read more
The ever-present danger on our farms and ranches
A mother and two experts talk about the need to do more when it comes to farm safety
Tools for making your farm a safer place
There are many free resources, including fact sheets, videos, training programs, and materials designed especially for children
Reading Time: 2 minutes There are a host of educational materials on safety available for farm families. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association was created in 1993 to promote farm safety and its vision is “a country where no one is hurt farming.” Its website has dozens of fact sheets that are broken down by topics. Among the 17 topics […] Read more
Community and country rally to help farm family
There’s been an outpouring of condolences and trust fund contributions
Reading Time: 3 minutes The deaths of three young sisters in a farm accident earlier this month has brought an outpouring of support. The tragic deaths of Catie Bott, age 13, and her twin sisters Dara and Jana, both 11, has had a “far-reaching impact” on people both near and far, said Pastor Brian Allan, a close family friend […] Read more
While you’re harvesting, first responders hope they aren’t needed
It’s a dangerous time of year — here are some tips for making it safer
Reading Time: < 1 minute Even as farmers were out in their fields, dozens of first responders from the Foothills Fire Department were preparing for the worst. More than 20 members of the 150-person department attended a training session at Heritage Pointe Fire Station in De Winton earlier this month. Among the sessions was a hands-on practice in which a […] Read more
Minimize your road risk during harvest
Take a moment to review the hazards of taking farm equipment on public roads
Reading Time: 2 minutes According to the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting program, 13 per cent of farm-related fatalities across Canada are traffic related, and most involved tractors. During the busy fall harvest season, farmers often travel long distances between fields, and this requires transporting equipment on public roads throughout rural Alberta. Farm equipment is oversized and slow compared to […] Read more
Auger accidents happen in a flash
The safety rules are simple, but talking about the dangers and having a buddy system are key
Reading Time: < 1 minute Augers are hazardous, and that’s why safety protocols and talking about the dangers with co-workers are critical. When using an auger, one person should be designated as being in charge of the task, and the equipment should be periodically inspected during operation. While the auger is running: Observe work area restrictions; Keep all safety shields […] Read more
Farm leaders say workers’ compensation coverage is a good thing
Mandatory enrolment could be announced this fall, but leaders say cost and paperwork won’t be onerous
Reading Time: 4 minutes Changes to farm safety regulations are expected soon — and that might not be a bad thing for Alberta farmers, says the president of the Alberta Federation of Agriculture. “Workers’ compensation or private insurance really is a great risk management tool for farms nowadays,” said Lynn Jacobson. “That protection against litigation is one of the […] Read more
Communities must say no to the inappropriate use of guns
There are far too many reckless gun users in rural Alberta and the best way to stop them is when communities speak out
Reading Time: 3 minutes Throughout history there have been lives lost and communities devastated by the use of firearms. In rural Canada, the risk of death or disability by the inappropriate use of guns is increasing. This is dear to me as I continue to grieve a friend murdered on a rural property; feel for neighbours who have lost […] Read more
Summer Farm Employment Program deadline looming
Applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis until May 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Time is running out to get funding from the Summer Farm Employment Program. The provincial program offers wage support for farmers who employ youth during July and August. Employers must own or rent a farming operation in Alberta and have a gross production of $25,000 per year. Work must be directly related to the farming […] Read more
Egg Farmers chair would like to see safety legislation, training and tracking
Election 2015: Comprehensive safety training programs needed for producers
Reading Time: < 1 minute Farm safety in Alberta needs some work — and Susan Schafers has a few ideas. “We in the industry want to make sure that all producers and all employees have a better concept of farm safety and how to improve safety levels on their farms,” said the chair of Egg Farmers of Alberta. While there […] Read more
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