Representatives from a number of crop and livestock commodity groups in Alberta have teamed up to form an industry led farm safety group - AgSafe Alberta.
 
The group is working to develop and deliver farm safety education and awareness resources to help farm and ranching operations enhance on-farm safety programs and practices.

Donna Trottier with AgSafe says they first did some research on the resources that are currently available and what tools and services could benefit farmers, and as a result they've started by developing a quick start guide “this tool is something farmers can use as a place to start with farm safety planning, so incorporating safety into their daily operations and keeping safety top of mind as they go about their tasks as they are accustomed to doing”.

One of the first places to focus attention according to Trottier is to identify hazards “the highest risk on the farm, so finding out what those hazards are and communicating those to everybody on the farm, families, employees, everyone that comes onto the farm, make them aware of those hazards.

Trottier says the key is to start small with a farm safety plan that fits your operation and let it grow over time.

AgSafe Alberta is also in the process of recruiting qualified advisors that can visit farming operations to deliver tools, training and farm safety services.

To learn more about AgSafe Alberta and the tools and resources available visit AgSafe Alberta on Facebook or contact Donna Trottier at dtrottier@albertawheat.com