PROVINCE PROCLAIMS AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK

As spring approaches, the province is drawing attention to the importance of the safety and well-being of farmers, ranchers, their families and their employees.

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud and Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan have proclaimed March 13-19, 2011 as Agricultural Safety Week in Saskatchewan.

"This proclamation reminds all producers about the importance of farm safety," Bjornerud said. "It is important to recognize safety hazards on the farm and take the necessary steps to protect our producers and their families."

Saskatchewan Agriculture provides funding to the Agriculture Health and Safety Network, an affiliation of the Canadian Centre for Health and Safety in Agriculture (CCHSA), to deliver safety initiatives and services for farm and ranch families. More than 200 rural municipalities also contribute funding to these projects.

"Raising awareness about health and safety on the farm is always a priority for us," Morgan said. "We are working with partners and stakeholders to reach the very important goal of eliminating injuries and fatalities in the agricultural sector."

Agricultural Safety Week is held in conjunction with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which is sponsored by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA), Farm Credit Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA).

Agricultural Safety Week is supported by many agricultural organizations within the province, including the Farmers with Disabilities Program of the Saskatchewan Abilities Council and the Saskatchewan Alliance for Safety and Health in Agriculture (SASHA).

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For more information, contact:

Patrick Boyle
Agriculture
Regina
Phone: 7306-87-2359
Email: Patrick.Boyle@gov.sk.ca

Jennifer Veri
Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5021
Email: Jennifer.Veri@gov.sk.ca