Reading Time: 4 minutes This year’s harvest is not going to be a normal one — and farmers and their families need to make adjustments accordingly, says the executive director of AgSafe Alberta. “It’s a significant challenge on farms because we’re looking at a cropping season that could last from now until November, so we have to manage people […] Read more
COVID-19 means harvest will be ‘especially challenging’
You need all hands on deck, but what if someone shows symptoms of a cold or flu?
Grain rescue equipment to be given to fire departments
Reading Time: < 1 minute Rural fire departments that have taken BeGrainSafe training from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association are eligible to receive life-saving grain rescue equipment. Thanks to support from Corteva Agriscience Canada, rural fire departments can receive a GSI RES-Q-TUBE and a Haul-ALL pencil auger. The grain rescue tube creates a barrier between the victim and the grain […] Read more
Avoid disaster with simple farm fuel management steps
With producers buying fuel tanks in record numbers, now is the time to review safe practices
Reading Time: 5 minutes Everyone loves a bargain, and producers got a big one this spring when fuel prices dropped to lows not seen in ages. With average prices ranging around 65 cents per litre for diesel and 50 cents for gasoline with tax exemptions, producers quickly queued up at their local suppliers to shave some dollars off their […] Read more
Don’t let your grain dryer become a grain fryer
A few quick, simple measures can prevent your dryer — and your grain — from going up in smoke
Reading Time: 5 minutes Every harvest — and especially in recent years — grain dryers across Alberta are put into action. But the busy season doesn’t leave time for the care and maintenance to reduce the risk of fire when these units are working flat out. Although it’s impossible to completely eliminate fire risk with anything that creates heat, […] Read more
Opinion: During stressful times, the risk of a farm accident goes up
The pandemic has increased our stress levels and that’s all the more reason to be safety aware
Reading Time: 3 minutes As farmers, we are always at risk of on-farm accidents. But one factor puts us even more at risk — stress. Even though farmers are generally safety aware when it comes to our own farming operations, right now, in the midst of so much uncertainty, we are especially vulnerable. In a survey released by the […] Read more
Grants available for worker safety training
Reading Time: < 1 minute A new program is offering to help farm and agribusiness employers as well as food processors with the cost of pandemic-related training and equipment. The Agriculture Training Support Program “is intended to offset costs for COVID-19 safety and training, including the costs for personal protective equipment and to remove any barriers to get Albertans safely […] Read more
Add some farm safety education to home schooling
Reading Time: < 1 minute With in-person events cancelled, a program that provides farm safety education for children has launched a new online platform with interactive resources and activities on farm safety. “With children at home due to indefinite school closures, we recognize that more kids will be involved in activities on the farm while, at the same time, they […] Read more
Don’t try to ‘play the odds’ this growing season
Many farmers still taking unnecessary risks, says Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association chair
Reading Time: 2 minutes Spring is a time of hope and Randy Schmitz’s hope is that Alberta farmers will slow down a little as they begin a new growing season. Rollovers, run-overs, and being pinned or struck by a machine component are the leading causes of agriculture-related injuries and fatalities, said Schmitz, chairman of the Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association. […] Read more
Add COVID-19 to your safety plan for spring seeding
More cleaning and less sharing of equipment are sensible moves these days
Reading Time: 2 minutes Plan how to stay safe while seeding during COVID-19. Start, of course, by minimizing contact, said Jody Wacowich, executive director of AgSafe Alberta. “If you have a large group, maybe have them come at different points during the morning, so they’re not all together,” she said. But having safety conversations, in one form or another, […] Read more
Alberta farm walking the walk on safety
Stamp Seeds has seen major growth and that’s prompted family to ‘put that culture of safety up front’
Reading Time: 3 minutes Much has changed at Stamp Seeds since it was founded by Richard and Marian Stamp more than 40 years ago. “We have a pretty dynamic farm — there’s never a day that goes by without something exciting happening,” said Richard. “But that is also why it’s been important to have a culture of safety on […] Read more
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