PROVINCE PROCLAIMS 2007 AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK

“Protect your moving parts!” is the theme of the 2007 Agricultural Safety Week in Saskatchewan, March 14-20. 

This year, producers are encouraged to focus on preventing machine-related injuries such as crushes and entanglements. 

Detailed fact sheets about these topics are found on the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) website at www.cfa-fca.ca, under Programs and Projects, then 2007 CASW Page.

Agricultural Safety Week is proclaimed each year by Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food and by Saskatchewan Labour, and is observed in conjunction with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week sponsored by the CFA.

“The week reminds us to put safety first at all times,” Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said.  “Farming is one of the most dangerous occupations in the country, and members of farm families need to be vigilant in order to protect themselves and one another.”

“Unintentional injuries on the farm are tragic for the family, the community and the province,” Labour Minister David Forbes said.  “Statistics show most injuries occur while operating machinery.  Saskatchewan Labour’s Farm Safety Guide can provide valuable information on how to recognize safety hazards and minimize risk of injury.”

The Saskatchewan Safety Council (SSC) reports there are about 12 to 15 fatalities in Saskatchewan each year, and between 12 to 15 people hospitalized with some type of farm injury each month.  The cost of farm injuries and deaths to the Canadian economy is estimated to be between $200 and $300 million annually.

“The SSC recommends that farmers make safety a key component of their overall farm management plan and look for ways to reduce the chances of being injured,” SSC Farm Safety Promotions Administrator Patrick Kurtz said.  “A safety plan for the farm shows a commitment to safety for everyone on the farm, including visitors.”

Agricultural Safety Week is supported by numerous agricultural organizations including the Saskatchewan Safety Council, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the Farmers with Disabilities Program of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council, Safe Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Alliance for Safety and Health in Agriculture, the Saskatchewan Farm Safety Program of Saskatchewan Labour, and the Farm Stress Line of Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Agriculture and Food
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031

Nadine Sisk
Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4156

Patrick Kurtz
Saskatchewan Safety Council
Regina
Phone: 306-757-3197