The occupation “farmer” shows up in more than a few Top 10 lists — like “The 10 most trustworthy roles,” for example. But there’s one Top 10 list that we’d all rather not have made where farmers hold the number 9 spot. That’s the Top 10 list of most dangerous jobs in North America.
It’s this dubious distinction that makes National Farm Safety Week so important. That’s this week — March 15 to 21 — in case you haven’t heard. As part of the week, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is encouraging farmers to be “safety champions,” and encouraging farmers to share their farm safety stories using the #GrowSafety hashtag (there are prizes, so hop to it, eh? More here). “This year, we are focusing on the power of the positive. We know that we need to engage with all Canadians to make farms safer places to work and live,” says Marcel Hacault, Executive Director of CASA. “We’re encouraging all Canadians to become farm safety champions. Health care providers, teachers, agri-business leaders, community members and farmers all play an important role in promoting farm safety.” You can find CASA on Twitter as @PlanFarmSafety.
So, give it a bit of thought. What’s one change you could make on your farm that would move the needle on safety? How about more training and tougher rules on ATV use (more about ATV safety can be found www.canadasafetycouncil.org). Or perhaps it’s powerlines, highway safety with large equipment or new rules around livestock? Farmers weigh-in, here:
@realag_lyndsey Underground power, right from the road. & Herbicide transfer pump. — John Guelly (@WheatGeerJJ) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey using heavy nylon tow straps instead of metal chains. A chain broke last yr & smashed through cab injuring a driver — Carrie Woolley (@CarrieWoolley1) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey cab cam linked to camera on back of planter to watch for morons on the road (as well as other reasons) — Dale Ketcheson (@KetchesonDale) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey electric slide on tandem grain truck chute–you don’t have to hurry down the ladder to close it in time when filling a bin
— Sarah Weigum (@Sweigum) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey @fitbit w/ caller ID. No more diggin through pockets when you’re hands are full & working just to see who is calling.
— Kim Keller (@kimkkeller) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey change charcoal cab filter in sprayer based on chem. usage versus prior start of season. Ensures filter works4 insecticides
— Brian Penner (@PennerBrian) March 16, 2015
.@realag_lyndsey New bins have caged ladders, updated bin level ind. on all grain bins & use manlift 4 bin repairs. #workatheight
— Greg Sears (@redwoodacres) March 16, 2015
@realag_lyndsey threw out my good crocs and bought steel toe runners#GrowSafety #byebyecomfort
— Stuart Leonard (@stacres) March 19, 2015
@realag_lyndsey no more climbing bins while filling. http://t.co/7BHr1GXs4E
— Dwayne Leslie (@webfarmer) March 17, 2015
@realag_lyndsey if you are doing something you would give your kid heck for why are you doing it. #thinkrisk
— Darryl Enns (@DarrylEnns) March 17, 2015
@realag_lyndsey replaced a bin sweep that bolted directly to the end of a 8" auger with a hydraulic powered sweep. #LimbSaver #GrowSafety
— Alex (@alexclennett) March 17, 2015
@realag_lyndsey @iBarnInc getting all employees First Aid and CPR certified.
— Craig Danciu (@pigmannn1977) March 17, 2015