Two levels of government invest in Keystone Agricultural Producers farm safety program

More than $430,000 will be invested over two years

By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content
Farms.com

The federal government and Manitoba’s provincial government are investing $432,000 over the next two years to help Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) develop a new safety program.

“We’re very excited about the investment the province and the federal government is making in this program,” said James Battershill, KAP general manager. “It’s something we’ve been working on for quite a significant period of time.”

Previous KAP safety initiatives were pieced together, but the government investments will allow for a more structured approach.

"Our goal is to provide resources for farmers that are practical,” Dan Mazier, KAP president said in a release. “Rather than just telling them to read through safety regulations, we are making someone available to show them what they can do to reduce accidents on their farms and comply with provincial regulations."

“One of the most successful initiatives is hiring a farm safety consultant,” Battershill said. “They’re invited to farms and highlight major safety concerns, help describe safety regulations and provide remedies on how to correct (any concerns).”

Battershill said the investment will also be used to develop industry-specific material, including risk analysis, as well as training and new worker orientation,  which is relevant to farmers.