Farm safety isn’t just for adults, it’s an important educational topic from which people of all ages can benefit.
With that idea in mind, the Wellington County Farm and Home Safety Association (FHSA) is planning to host its annual Agriculture Safety Day on April 19, from 9am to 3pm.
“The focus is to teach kids what is safe and what isn’t, and how to keep them safe on a daily basis on a farm,” said Laura Ferrier, president of the Wellington FHSA.
Guests will be split into two groups upon arrival at the farm of Wray Brubacher, located at 7818 6th Line in Mapleton.
One group will begin the day at Brubacher’s, where children will learn about tractor safety, lawnmower safety, large animals and more.
The other group will take a short walk over to MACO Enterprise and participate in shop safety, with special guests from the fire department, the OPP and “Safety Sam.”
The fire department will make a presentation to children about fire safety, the OPP will explain why it’s important that they not be afraid of the police, provide them with an opportunity to have a look inside a police cruiser, and may even let them turn the sirens on.
Walter Grose, secretary of WFHSA, will be in his clown costume dressed as “Safety Sam,” and will speak to the children about safe things to do in the shop, such using as hearing protection, the importance of safety masks in dusty environments, and tools.
“Long exposure to dust can result in ‘farmer’s lung,’” said Grose. “We’re trying to prevent that.”
There will be about 20 minutes of safety talk at each station, and the event is free for everyone. The event requires 20 volunteers to make it happen, and is expected to attract around 200 visitors. Lunch and beverages will be provided.
“With the number of farm injuries we’ve seen, we thought it was a good idea to have a safety awareness day,” said Grose. “We want to teach the children when they’re young how to be safe around farm equipment and around animals.”
Ferrier said, “From these safety days people will learn about the dangers on a farm and learn about the necessary precautions to reduce those dangers.”
