AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK PROCLAIMED

For the first time, Saskatchewan launches Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) March 12-18 during the annual Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) convention.

"Saskatchewan is on a roll and part of sustaining our economic momentum is ensuring that farms and ranches are healthy and safe work environments that contribute to a secure and prosperous future," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "During Agricultural Safety Week, we encourage producers to take steps to protect themselves and others so that Saskatchewan farms are safe places to live and work all year round."

The week is proclaimed each year by the Minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour and the Minister of Agriculture.

"Agriculture is an integral part of Saskatchewan's economy, ever present in our history and a vibrant part of our future," Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud said. "Saskatchewan is pleased to launch the event for the first time and is committed to ensuring that farming is a safe and secure way-of-life as we move forward in this century and the next."

Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations in Saskatchewan. On average, 17 people die each year while working on the farm (1990-2006). The Farm Health and Safety Council and the Ministry of Advanced Education, Employment and Labour have developed an Agricultural Sector Plan to focus education and enforcement initiatives to reduce injuries in agricultural. Raising awareness to hazards and providing advice on possible ways to reduce risk when working on the farm is one strategy for reducing injuries in the agricultural sector.

Saskatchewan launched CASW for western Canada and Nova Scotia launched the event in eastern Canada. The theme for this year is "Manage More Than Just Your Back" focusing on preventing strains, sprains and falls. The CASW campaign is delivered by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA).

Detailed fact sheets about these topics are found on the CFA website at www.cfa-fca.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Scott Brown
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4031
Email: scott.brown@gov.sk.ca

Donna-Rae Crooks
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: dcrooks@lab.gov.sk.ca