This past week has been Agriculture Safety Week in Saskatchewan.
Agriculture has long been known to be one of the most dangerous sectors, especially the farming and ranching industries. During seeding in the spring, and harvest in the autumn is when most accidents occur while farming and ranching.
“I think the hazards that are present on the farm depends on the type of farming operation that you have, however, I think most incidents in agriculture involve contact with objects and equipment,” explained Rachel Kraynick, an Agriculture Program Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. “Producers should be aware of the hazards specific to their operation and develop a plan to mitigate the risks.”
Kraynick added that injuries and farm safety incidents impact not only the producer and their family but employees on the farm and even the communities they live in.
"Agricultural Safety Week provides the opportunity to remind everyone that agriculture safety matters year-round, on and off the farm," Agriculture Minister David Marit said in a written release. "Physical and mental health are of the utmost importance and everyone must do their part to ensure we are all able to return home to our loved ones at the end of each day."
This year's theme, Lead an Ag Safe Canada, is the second of a three-year farm safety campaign; Safe and Strong Farms. This year, virtual AgSafe ribbons are available for download from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association website.
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