ATTENTION TO DETAILS FOCUS OF 2005 AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK

"Safety is in the details" is the theme of the 2005 Agricultural Safety Week to be observed March 9th-15th.

"The 2005 theme emphasizes the importance of producers letting someone know where they will be, and at what time they are expected to return," Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said. "That one little detail may make the difference between a farm accident and a fatality. Farmers who live alone may want to set up a system with a neighbour or relative. The point is, let someone know where you'll be so they'll know if you are missing."

"The 2005 farm safety campaign also focuses on seniors and what can be done to reduce the risks of injuries and fatalities," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "Ag Safety Week encourages safe practices to help all farmers achieve good health and productivity in what is a very physically demanding industry."

According to a study by the Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program, farmers aged 60 and over represent only 13 per cent of Canada's farming population, but they experience 35 per cent of all agricultural fatalities, and 24 per cent of agricultural hospitalizations.

The Saskatchewan Safety Council (SSC) reports that 12 to 15 people are killed every year, and another 180 to 200 hospitalized, as a result of farm-related injuries in Saskatchewan.

"Many injuries to farmers could be prevented by attending to details," SSC Farm Safety Promotions Administrator Patrick Kurtz said. "Details like using guards on the Power Take Off (PTO) and other moving machine components; shutting off tractor engines and setting the brakes prior to dismounting; wearing tight fitting clothing when working near PTOs, conveyors and other moving machinery; and retrofitting all tractors with Roll Over Protection Systems and seatbelts."

Agricultural Safety Week is sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture, the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, and Pioneer Hi-Bred Ltd., and is supported by the federal and provincial governments.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-4031	Dallas McQuarrie Labour Regina Phone: (306)787-1545
Patrick Kurtz Saskatchewan Safety Council Regina Phone: (306)757-3197