Farm safety starts with awareness and prevention, not luck

By Paul Maurice, Executive Member, Director, Ontario Federation of Agriculture

Farm safety isn’t just about rules and regulations — it’s about people. It’s about keeping our families, employees, and neighbours safe while doing what we love. As farmers, we live and work in the same place, and that makes safety a 24-hour responsibility.

At this time of year, many farmers are still in the midst of harvest, one of the most stressful times of the year as we race against time – and the weather – to get crops off before winter hits.

Accidents can happen in a split second, but many can be prevented with awareness and preparation. Farm safety is about knowing what to do on the farm to avoid accidents and injuries – and not just during busy times like planting or harvest, but anytime you’re working with equipment or livestock.

That means keeping equipment fixed and up to date, taking a break when you’re tired or fatigued, and not cutting corners when you’re in a rush. When working, shut down equipment before making adjustments or dislodging a blockage, keep safety guards in place and don’t let kids play around work sites or near equipment.

Have a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers handy and take a charged phone with you when you head out for the day. When frustration hits because of breakdowns or long hours, take a breath, step back, and reassess before moving on.