It's Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, and the OPP are offering tips to stay safe on the farm.
Wellington County OPP Constable Matthew Burton says most farm injuries are preventable, whether working with livestock or machinery. He says one important thing to keep in mind is managing your workload and fatigue on the farm while working on any given day.
"Take regular breaks, focus on drinking enough water during the day, especially with the hot days coming back soon. Fatigue can reduce reaction times, which can lead to accidents sometimes, unfortunately," Burton pointed out.
Constable Burton says farmers, farm workers and farm families should all take safety on the farm seriously, and that includes around farm equipment.
"We want to remind people to totally shut off equipment before doing any maintenance or clearing blockages. Be aware of loose-fitting clothing as we've seen this type of clothing as we've seen this type of clothing get caught in machinery and become a serious safety issue. Also, be aware of your surroundings when operating farm vehicles," he said.
In the event of an emergency, having a plan in place is critical for everyone on the farm, from employees to family members.
"Have a farm safety plan. Put up a whiteboard in a barn or workplace and write the address and emergency phone numbers down on it, for anyone to access in the event of an emergency, and even make it simple enough for a child to read it in case of a serious emergency," Constable Burton added.
Constable Burton notes that another thing they want people to be mindful of is sharing the roadways with farm equipment. He says it's everyone's responsibility, including those operating the equipment, to make sure the road is shared safely.
"Rural road safety is a shared responsibility. It requires drivers, farmers and everyone involved to be proactive and defensive in managing their speed and actions, because if someone is being careless, it can cause a huge accident and a really unfortunate series of events," he noted. "Also, be mindful of horse-drawn vehicles and carriages. Be mindful that any sudden movements or noises can cause panic in a horse, and it's something to be mindful of before approaching these situations, while ensuring everyone has the proper space to adapt."
Additionally, mental health for farmers and farm families is also vitally important. There are many resources available to farmers in the area, including:
Farming can come with significant pressure, long hours and a heavy workload. The Wellington County OPP wants to remind the community that there are local resources and supports available.
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 9-8-8
Here 24/7 - addictions, mental health and crisis services for Waterloo and Wellington: 1-844-437-3247
Rural Wellington Peer Support Team - local, lived-experience peer support for individuals navigating substance‑use challenges. Contact Joe Wettlaufer, Peer Coordinator: 519-321-9671
