An increase in safety inspections, an effort by the Manitoba government to reduce the high number of injuries and fatalities in the agriculture industry, has many producers concerned about what will happen when inspectors arrive on their farms.
But now, Keystone Agricultural Producers and SAFE Work Manitoba have collaborated to provide farm safety support services that will help producers make their farms safe and prepare for these inspections.
“A farmer can call the KAP office and we’ll arrange for a qualified SAFE Work professional to come out to the farm,” said KAP vice-president Dan Mazier. “This individual will be able to identify safety issues that need to be rectified, and explain what to expect when an inspector arrives.”
Mazier also noted the same on-farm service is available for a farmer who has already been inspected and has received an improvement order. The safety professional will come out to the farm prior to re-inspection and let the producer know if he or she is complying with the order.
“In Manitoba, we’ve experienced 26 acute hazard fatalities in the agriculture industry in the past five years,” said Jamie Hall, chief operating officer of SAFE Work Manitoba. “This was the highest of all sectors and represents 34 per cent of the total workplace fatalities in the province. SAFE Work Manitoba is here to help farmers make their farms safer for their workers and families.”
Producers wanting to take advantage of farm safety support services can call the KAP office at 204-697-1140 or contact SAFE Work Manitoba at 204-957-SAFE (7233) or 1-855-957-SAFE (7233).
KAP is Manitoba’s largest farm policy organization, and has a mandate to help prevent farming accidents. SAFE Work Manitoba is dedicated to reducing workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities through education and prevention efforts.
