By Alice McFarlane

Agriculture Safety Week focuses on education

Mar 17, 2025 | 12:17 PM

Farming comes with unique risks, from working with heavy machinery to handling hazardous materials. Keeping farms safe requires ongoing education and access to essential safety tools to prevent accidents before they happen.

March 16 to 22, is Agricultural Safety Week, focuses on protecting everyone involved in a farming operation.

This year’s Agricultural Safety Week focuses on the key themes of health hazards on the farm, emergency preparedness, grain safety, mental health, road and rail safety and women in agriculture. These themes stress the importance of proactive safety measures, proper training, safety resources and an inclusive workplace culture that recognizes the critical role women play in advancing farm safety.

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said the week is a good time to remind those working on farms and ranches about the importance of farm health and safety measures.

“Farm employers and workers should create a plan before starting a job, to identify hazards and determine how best to deal with them. This includes developing an emergency plan and practicing it often. Investing in health and safety is an investment in your farm’s future,” Sigurdson said. “Employers, workers and the government all have a role to play in agricultural workplace safety. Let’s work together to make sure Alberta farmers and ranchers stay safe this growing season.”

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The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) will receive up to $1.6 million over three years from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), through the AgriCompetitiveness Program.

Executive Director Sandy Miller said CASA is also grateful for the support in promoting the importance of safety on the farm.

“This continued commitment of AAFC to the safety and well-being of Canadian farmers is essential to the work that CASA does,” Miller said. “Every dollar supports programs that help to build a safe and sustainable agriculture industry where healthy Canadian farm communities thrive.”

The funds support initiatives including grain entrapment prevention, farm safety events and resources for children, the collection and dissemination of agricultural fatality data, national leadership on farm health and safety issues, and connecting community partners with information and resources to promote safety and health in agriculture.

During Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, Canadians are encouraged to remember #FarmSafetyEveryday and reflect on the vital importance of farm safety for workers, families, and communities.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @farmnewsNOW