PROVINCE PROCLAIMS 2006 AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK

"Farm safety is MY business" is the theme of the 2006 Agricultural Safety Week in Saskatchewan, which has been proclaimed in conjunction with Canadian Agricultural Safety Week March 8th – 14th.

This week focuses on the risk management considerations of farm work and encourages farmers and farm workers to think through the risks of a job before they do it.

"Agricultural Safety Week emphasizes that all members of Saskatchewan farm families need 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."

"One of the best things for farmers to do is to slow down. It is tempting, especially during busy times, to take short cuts. However, short cuts increase the likelihood of injuries," Labour Minister David Forbes said. "One of the best sources for good agricultural health and safety information is Saskatchewan Labour's website."

The Saskatchewan Safety Council (SSC) reports there are about 12 to 15 fatal farm accidents in Saskatchewan each year, and between 12 to 15 people hospitalized with some type of farm injury each month.

"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 and for any visitors. The overall safety plan should be reviewed and updated, and all employees and family members should be made aware of safety precautions, safety concerns and trained to do any jobs as safely as possible."

Agricultural Safety Week is a program of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and is supported by numerous agricultural organizations across Canada and in Saskatchewan.

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For More Information, Contact:

Scott Brown Agriculture and Food Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031	Janis Walls Saskatchewan Labour Regina Phone: (306) 787-4488
Patrick Kurtz Saskatchewan Safety Council Regina Phone: (306) 757-3197