Farm Safety Plans Focus of Agricultural Safety Week
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which runs until March 20, encourages farmers to make the health and safety of workers a priority.
Plan - Farm - Safety is the theme of a three-year campaign that focuses on farmers developing a farm safety plan for their business.
"Injuries do happen, but by having a farm safety plan and training in place, workers will know that safety is a priority on the farm," said John MacDonell, Minister of Agriculture. "We hope this week reminds Nova Scotia farmers that it is important, for themselves and their employees, to have a plan and be prepared."
This year, the campaign will promote the plan component of the theme with safety walkabouts and planning. Next year, the farm component will include implementing, documenting and training. The third year will emphasize the safety component, including assessing, improving and further developing of safety systems.
"Farmers strive to provide a safe work place for our employees, ourselves and our families," said Richard Melvin, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA). "As we prepare for a busy planting season, the proclamation of Agricultural Safety Week is a very important reminder to include safe work habits in our daily practices."
To support improved awareness and education about farm safety, NSFA has been developing a business model for the Society of Farm Safety Nova Scotia, a formal safety organization that will be implemented later this year.
Mr. MacDonell proclaimed Canadian Agricultural Safety Week on Monday, March 15, on behalf of Premier Darrel Dexter. He was joined by Richard Melvin, president of the Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture.
The Canadian Agricultural Safety Week program is delivered by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and promoted by the Nova Scotia Farm Health and Safety Committee. More information is available at www.casa-acsa.ca .