Excerpt from the OH&S Canada magazine
The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island is raising safety awareness around Power Take Off (PTO) drive equipment during the Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which ran from March 10, to 16, 2019.
The board urged farmers to inspect PTO guards and ensure that they are in place and working properly before farming season hit its peak. Equipment entanglement is one of the leading causes of farm injuries and fatalities. According to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, 61 deaths on Canadian farms from 2003 to 2012 were caused by entanglement due to exposed bolts, universal joints, burrs or other projections on rotating components that grab clothing.
“WCB is committed to helping PEI farmers and their workers stay safe at work especially around farming equipment,” says WCB chief executive officer Luanne Gallant. “Implementing regular equipment safety checks into your safety program is essential to reducing the risk of injury.”
WCB chair Stuart Affleck says building a culture of safety and healthy workplaces begins with the conversation. “Frequent safety meetings and asking workers for feedback will help keep safety at the forefront on every farm,” he adds.
The WCB has safety resources available on its website or farm employers and workers, including a hazard alert on PTO and the precautions that should be taken. Safety measures include checking all components of the PTO guarding system regularly for nicks or damage, ensuring all sections of the PTO driveline and universal joints are fully shielded, avoiding operating equipment with damaged or missing PTO guards and staying clear of rotating PTO drivelines.
My opinion
The farm workplace is the least regulated workplace in Canada. Most are family-owned, but those that are commercial and large in size need to be constantly monitored specially in provinces like Alberta where recent legislation has begun to protect workers on ranches and farms there.
I was surprised to find that the province of Prince Edward Island was behind in this type of safety concern. Mind you, it is never too late to start to incorporate a new and strong safety culture in your workplace, no matter where that may be.
HRS Group Inc. has a great team that can help you with all your health and safety needs. Contact Deborah toll free at 1-877-907-7744 or locally at 705-749-1259 We can also be reached at
Ensure 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’ 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.
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