This March, Canadian Agricultural Safety Week officials are encouraging farmers and their families to “Be an AgSafe Family” by “Keeping Kids Safe”.
The annual public awareness campaign, which focusses on the importance of safe agriculture, is offered through the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) and sponsor Farm Credit Canada (FCC).
It aims to empower farm families with the information they need to help keep kids safe while preserving the farming lifestyle.
The campaign lasts for a week, but “Keeping Kids Safe” is important all year long, officials say.
“We believe that we can teach the love of agriculture to our children in a safe and healthy way,” said Marcel Hacault, executive director of CASA.
“This year we are providing tools and safety advice on agsafetyweek.ca that can help make farms a safe place for children to grow up.”
CFA president Ron Bonnett said his federation recognizes “the importance of teaching our next generation of producers about safety measures on the family farm.
“That is why we are proud to once again be a part of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week in order to highlight the significance of safety as a priority on Canada’s farms.”
In 2016, FCC has once again committed to support Safety Days in local communities. Coordinators can apply for up to $1,500 to help offset some costs associated with hosting a safety day. FCC, through the Coordinator Funding, along with the support for [Canadian Agricultural Safety Week], is “Keeping Kids Safe.”
“Safety on the farm doesn’t just happen; it’s a result of hard work by industry associations, government, industry advocates and of course farmers,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC president and CEO.
“That’s why we’re proud to support Canadian Agriculture Safety Week and to partner with CASA. It provides the information and resources producers need to make farms safer for everyone, including children.”
As a part of the week-long campaign, organizers are working with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services to host launch activities in Vineland Station, Ontario on March 15.
“Workplace Safety and Prevention Services is proud to be part of Canadian Ag Safety Week, and this year’s theme really hits home,” says Elizabeth Mills, president and CEO of WSPS.
“On average, 13 children die on Canadian farms each year. We are looking forward to connecting with farmers, agricultural employers and partners to share the latest practices and tools to Keep Kids Safe and ensure that Ag families enjoy a rich, exciting and safe experience on the farm.”
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week takes place every year during the third week of March.
