10 Better Farming | August 2024 Follow us on @BetterFarmingON There are many hazards that exist on farms. Equipment, vehicles, and livestock are all potentially dangerous to farmers and their families, visitors and employees. Earlier this year, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services released an issue of Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting that detailed agriculture-related injuries and fatalities in Ontario from 1990 to 2020. In those 30 years, the number of agricultural fatalities decreased from an average of 30 per year between 1990 and 2005 to an average of 19 between 2006 and 2020. The report also noted that 62 per cent of fatalities occurred between May and October. From 2011 to 2020, 63 per cent of fatal farm injuries were equipment-related, largely due to rollovers and runovers. During the busy summer months, with equipment and people moving quickly to manage crops, it’s important to slow down and remember to pay attention to the people, animals, and objects in the same space. Discussing and prioritizing safety with all members of the farm can help prevent injuries. We recently asked Better Farming readers which farm safety tips they use to stay safe. Jason, Middlesex County: “Eyes and mind on your task. Pay attention.” Christine, Bruce County: “Know your surroundings. Know where the people, animals, and equipment are when you are working.” Tom, Prince Edward County: “Don’t stand behind me when any machinery is running. I can’t see much back there.” Jessica, Elgin County: “Always try to have someone with you. When that’s not possible, let others know where you are at all times and share expectations for when you will return.” Doug, Middlesex County: “Communicate! Whether it be talking about safety before starting a task or communicating where you are and what you are doing. Keep everyone informed.” Steve, Oxford County: “Take your time. Slow and steady gets the job done safely.” Joan, Grey County: “Check, check, and recheck.” Eleanor, Leeds County: “Always know where the children are before you start up any equipment, and never leave them alone in a running tractor. Teaching kids farm safety is at the top of the list of things to do because they get too comfortable around cows and equipment and forget the rules. You need eyes in the back of your head to know where they are at all times. For us older folks, it is to stop working when you get tired. That is when you make mistakes and get hurt or you break something.” Derek, Niagara Region: “Pay attention to what you are doing, and observe and think before you act.” Tom, Peel Region: “Know the equipment and take your time.” Wayne, Perth County: “Pay attention to what you’re doing! Think about what could happen.” Allan, Peel Region: “Be aware of your surroundings, don’t take anything for granted, and double-check when operating equipment.” Jon, Niagara Region: “Pay attention!” Lloyd, Bruce County: “Be careful and think before you act.” Michel, Russell County: “All the safety shields should be maintained on equipment.” Norm, Peterborough County: “Don’t attempt any activity you haven’t received training on.” Marina, Bruce County: “Always let somebody know where you will be.” Ken, Niagara Region: “Focus on machinery safety.” Barclay, Wellington County: “Shut off the tractor before adjusting anything.” Veronique, Wellington County: “Look and listen!” BF Digging Deeper HOW ARE ONTARIO FARMERS STAYING SAFE? ‘Slow & steady gets the job done safely.’ By Emily Croft Pay attention to your surroundings while you’re working. katrinaelena - stock.adobe.com photo
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