During National Farm Safety Week, March 14 to 20 the Canada Safety Council reminded those in the agriculture industry to be astute to the many risks of doing business and provided important tips on how to maintain farm safety.

According to a 2023 report by Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR), between 1990 and 2020 the country averaged 91 agriculture-related fatalities every year.

According to the report the most common causes of fatal injuries on the farm are machine-related (66 per cent), with nearly 30 per cent of these being due to machine rollovers, which is when heavy equipment tips onto its side or roof, and runovers, which occur when a machine under power or rolling on an incline runs over the victim.

The following information was provided by the National Safety Council:

Most rollover fatalities in Canada involve tractors with approximately half of the rollover fatalities occurring when the machine rolled on its side and most often occurring while riding too close to edges that steeply drop off.

To minimize the risk of rollover the NSC recommends when travelling on an incline, use the shallowest slope available; follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation on what an acceptable slope is; avoid travelling on a diagonal and install a Roll-Over Protection Structure on your tractor.

Runovers occur most frequently with unmanned vehicles most often when a machine is left running or unblocked on a slope.

 

For operators of a vehicle a runover can occur when they fall off the machine and under the wheels.

Bystanders are also often victimized by runovers because the operator does not expect them to be in the area, and bystanders most often include children between one and four-years of age.

To minimize risk of runovers supervise children closely at all times, keeping them away from the farmyard when machinery is in operation.

Never stand in the direct path of a running tractor, even if it is not actively in motion.

Always block off machines that are not currently in use to eliminate the risk of it rolling of its own accord.

Other common causes of farm accidents and subsequent injury include: machinery and equipment entanglement or collision; chemical exposure or fire; falls; suffocation or drowning and injury by animals.

To avoid risk of injury from machinery or equipment consider the following safety tips.

Educate all users on the equipment, its power, speed, capabilities and operating instructions. Mark off an hazards on property such as holes, ditches, drop-offs, slopes. Remove clutter  from property. A clean workspace is a safe workspace. Wait until all mechanisms have come to complete stop before attempting to service or unclog. Confirm that all guards, shields and safety devices are operating and engaged. Always disengage the Power Train Operator (PTO), shut off the equipment and remove keys before leaving the equipment.  Never step across or put arm within reach of a rotating PTO. Leave loaders in the down position with spikes faced toward the ground when not in use.

Decreasing the risk of injury due to chemical exposure or fire can be as easy as two very important steps.  Store all chemicals properly and according to manufacturers recommendations and always use proper PPE when handling chemicals.

To prevent accidental falls on farms install handrails and steps on equipment or to buildings; place non-slip mats on walkways and steps; keep the farm site clear of debris, well lit and properly store equipment; ensure ladders are in good working order and properly secured; securely cover any ground-level wells or underground tunnels and place warning tape or signs around them.

Suffocation occurs when people become entrapped in grain storage bins and is a common cause of death on farms. To prevent grain bin suffocation: do not move or empty grain when someone is inside the bin; do not allow walking down grain to make it flow; do not allow entry onto or below a bridging condition or where grain is built up on the side of the bin; use body harnesses connected to lifelines long enough to prevent anyone from sinking below waist level; have rescue equipment by all bins and have an observer remain outside of bin when someone enters and test the air in the bin for oxygen content or the presence of hazardous gases prior to entry.

Drowning can be avoided by securely fencing off all open water sites such as dug outs or ponds.

Injuries caused by farm animals can vary depending on the types of animals kept on the farm. Recognizing that animals can be very unpredictable and treating them with respect, is the first step in reducing risk of injury, however the following tips can reduce that chance even more.

Get to know the temperament and behaviours of animals. Ensure animals are secured in well maintained enclosures and gates are closed and secured when not in use. When handling animals use proper restraints such as halters, ropes and ensure chutes and pens are free of any loose items or hazards. Wear appropriate clothing and equipment when dealing with animals. Keep a safe distance from animals whether restrained or not and always be aware of what they are doing; identify animals with behaviour problems and treat accordingly and vaccinate animals to minimize risk that may be associated with infections from penetrating wounds.

Protecting children on the farm site is of utmost importance. First and foremost make sure they are well educated on all the risks associated with farms and that younger children are supervised at all times. Make sure children complete age-appropriate tasks. Never allow children or other passengers on farm equipment. Your attention should always be the task at hand.