March 13-19, 2016 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week and a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of safety matters on farm workplaces. This year’s theme is “Keeping Kids Safe.”

“In addition to fostering a love for agriculture, we need to ensure that the next generation has a greater understanding and acceptance for safe farming practices,” said Stuart Affleck, Workers Compensation Board (WCB) Chair. “The greatest influence comes from watching experienced workers and owners on the farm, and it is important for us to lead by example and to make farms a safe place to grow up.”

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual public awareness campaign focusing on the importance of safe agriculture. The Week is promoted in partnership by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and presenting sponsor Farm Credit Canada. 

In 2016, organizers of the campaign want to empower farm families with the information they need to help keep kids safe on the farm while preserving the farming lifestyle. The campaign lasts for a week, but keeping kids safe is important all year long.

With the summer employment season just around the corner, there is no better time to take steps to reduce the risk of injury to ensure farm safety for all ages, especially for those who are young, and less experienced and more vulnerable.

The impact of a farm injury can be devastating both emotionally and economically to producers and their families. Yet, most injuries are predictable, and thus preventable, if producers, farm managers, and farm workers know what to look for and how to control the hazards on their farms.

The Farm Safety Code of Practice, which is available on the WCB website, www.wcb.pe.ca, provides great information about farm safety. For assistance with safety plans and other farm safety matters, contact WCB Farm Safety Specialist, Tara Huestis, at 902-368-6562 or 1-800-237-5049.

For more information on tools and safety advice on how to keep kids safe on farms, visit www.safe.agsafetyweek.ca.