Campaign Aims to Reduce Animal-Related Incidents

AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES--Campaign Aims to Reduce Animal-Related Incidents

Few farmers consider their livestock a possible source of danger, according to a Canadian study. But the same study shows that, in fact, animals are involved in 30 per cent of the injuries and deaths on Canadian farms.

Nova Scotia is participating in this year's Canadian Agricultural Safety Week campaign to reduce death and injury on the farm. The theme is Livestock Handling Safety: Put your best foot forward. The campaign runs from March 13 to 20.

"We hope that an awareness campaign will encourage many farm families to adopt safer farm practices," said Ernest Fage, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. "I encourage all producers to learn more about how they can protect themselves and their workers."

The Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program study found that between 1990 and 1998, on average, someone was killed by an animal on a farm in Canada every two months. People on farms were more likely to be injured by an animal in April than in any other time of the year. Bulls, horses and cows are most likely to be involved in animal-related incidents, followed by calves, steers and pigs.

Some handling tips include:

• be calm, yet firm around animals;
• always leave an emergency escape route when working in small areas;
• practise extreme caution around male livestock;
• be careful around newborn animals and their mothers;
• wear steel-toed boots;
• use extra caution around injured or sick animals; and
• never surprise animals when approaching them.

"I know several farmers who have suffered serious injury as a result of their work with livestock," said Doug Bacon, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture. "Farmers who work with these large animals every day tend to become comfortable and they often let their guard down. I hope that as we enter another season, my fellow farmers will remember that it is important to always be aware of what livestock are doing and have an escape route if trouble should arise."

The Nova Scotia Farm Safety Committee consists of Elizabeth Crouse, chair; Gail Keddy, Department of Agriculture and Fisheries; Theresa Osborne, Nova Scotia Women's Institute; Donna Langille, Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture; Dr. Judy Guernsey, Department of Health; Dr. Richard Gould, medical officer of health, Western Region; Larry Stewart, Department of Environment and Labour; John Adsett, Nova Scotia Agricultural College; and three producers: Lloyd Evans, Middleton, Annapolis Co.; Jeff Cutten, Lower Truro, Colchester Co.; and Carl Palmer, Berwick, Kings Co.