THREE STEPS TO SAFER FARMING

The Canadian agriculture community was rocked a few years ago when a farmer was charged and convicted following the tragic death of his son in a farm vehicle incident.

While we all felt empathy for this poor soul held responsible for this tragedy as well as their loved ones, it represented a major change in how health and safety on farms is being recognized and responded to by government bodies including the legal system. 

It also caused us to take pause and consider ways to prevent any similar devastating incidents from happening again. To not accept that what occurred ‘just comes with the territory’ of the farm life. 

Stop Think Act Methodology Can Help

In our search for new ways forward, one approach that is gaining traction is Stop Think Act, a methodology that can play a pivotal role in any farm health and safety plan.

The concept revolves around a three step process that is remarkably universal in its application and includes many facets of farming including machinery and equipment use. One example relates to the use of new equipment. It’s always exciting to take delivery and get it into operation. 

Before doing so, stop. Ask yourself if there are any new hazards associated with this new equipment to consider. 

Then think. If it’s a new spray boom or grain auger, could it be longer than the one it is replacing? If there are overhead power wires, could this new piece of equipment come into contact with them, energize the equipment and cause anyone on board to sustain a potentially fatal shock? 

Finally act. Review the documentation associated with the equipment and find definitive information on how high it is at full extension and determine if it needs to be retracted before it has to pass under any overhead wires.