Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), an organization that represents Manitoba farmers regarding agricultural policy in the province, will get more than $432,000 in funding from the federal and provincial governments over the next two years.
Federal Agriculture Minister, Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister, Ralph Eichler, announced in Winnipeg on November 02, 2016 that the money will go into a new farming safety program.
“This investment will provide the tools and training needed to reduce the risk of injury and ensure everyone at the farming operation remains safe,” MacAulay says in a statement.
The KAP program will provide information on health and safety regulations for producers, including resources on regulations, risk-specific tip sheets, signs, basic safety orientation, on-site safety advisors who will address hazards with farm employers directly, farm safety workshops and training on safety concerns and hazards.
“Our goal is to provide resources for farmers that are practical,” KAP president Dan Mazier says. “Rather than just telling them to read through safety regulations, we are making someone available to show them what they can do to reduce accidents on their farms and comply with provincial regulations.”
My opinion
The family farm has been the last identifiable workplace where regulations are a little vague. Many provinces are only now committed to enhancing safety regulations regarding farms and ranches. It will be a long and arduous process.
Ontario has farming regulation 414/05 and this regulation has only about 6 small sections. In other words, it is very difficult to define and organize. The family farms are easy to stay away from but the larger commercial farms can readily employ 20+ employees and should have a health and safety committee. 5 to 19 employees still ensure that a health and safety representative is voted on and comes directly from the workers.
I do understand the frustration on behalf of the rural farmer. Mind you, the commercial farmer should be ready to sit down with the provincial Ministry of Labour to incorporate safety into the farms’ everyday work.
Please ensure that your workplace is a safe place.
Remember – In Canada, “ALL Accidents are Preventable”
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs including ‘Due Diligence’, ‘Farming Safety Awareness’ and ‘Standard Operating Procedures’. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259.
‘Work’ and ‘Play’ safe.
Daniel L. Beal
CHSEP – Advanced Level
VP & Senior Trainer
HRS Group Inc.