Waterloo Rural Women (WRW) will be hosting their 21st annual Kids Farm Safety Day on June 11.
Farm families live where they work and often are not aware of the many hazards in their daily surroundings, noted Sharon Grose, WRW committee member.
“We’re entering a busy time on the farm and want to remind families of farm hazards,” said Grose.
Farmers are five times more likely to be injured through occupation-related accidents than any other industry, according to the Canadian Agriculture Safety Association (CASA).
About 14 per cent of farm fatalities involve children.
“It is important to get information out to kids when they are just starting to work on the farm; before they get drawn into bad habits,” said Grose.
“With the Kids Farm Safety Day we are focusing on school age children offering hands on learning, activities and games regarding farm safety.”
Grose added, “The day is set up for children to learn about farm/rural safety, but I hope all the adults present will be listening and learning too. We’re fortunate to have a strong group of presenters lined up for the day.”
Electric Larry (Larry Mullen) from Waterloo North Hydro will be setting up his Hazard Hamlet display to talk about accidents around electricity.
“Electrical safety on and around the farm is an important lesson with children” said Mullen. “I am excited to be part of this special event.”
Carson Brown of Stoltz Sales and Service will focus on PTO and tractor safety.
James Martin of the Floradale Fire Department will work with students so they can learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher.
“It is one thing to know where the fire extinguishers are located around your farm and quite another to know how to use them,” said Grose.
There will also be sessions on chemical safety, large animal safety and bike safety.
The Alma Optimist Club will be setting up a bike rodeo for kids to complete during the farm safety day event. Youngsters are invited to bring along their bikes and helmets.
The group is planning for 150 students to attend. Children will be divided into small groups and tour eight safety stations.
The event will be hosted at Ontowa Farms Dairy Farm, 2600 Northfield Drive E., Elmira. Register children to attend the day by calling Donna at 519-576-1933.
The day is geared for children who live on a farm, as well as children who visit farms. Anyone interested in volunteering at the next farm safety day may contact Susan at 519-669-8066.
Volunteers are needed to assist presenters at stations, and escort groups of children from session to sessions. High school students can earn volunteer hours by assisting with the event.
