March 11-17, 2012 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week and the final year of the three-year campaign, Plan~ Farm~ Safety.  The week raises awareness of safety matters in farm workplaces, with a focus on assessment, improvement and ongoing development of safety systems.

Safety is an integral component of any farming operation.  During Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) urges all Island farmers to rethink their safety plans to ensure they remain effective and relevant to all potential farm hazards.

“Safety is more than common sense. It is also good for business,” said Nancy Guptill, Workers Compensation Board Chair. “Proactive risk assessment and safety planning are essential tools for farmers to protect their families, their workers and their businesses.”

The Workers Compensation Board has a variety of resources to assist farmers in creating safer workplaces, including the Farm Safety Code of Practice and a dedicated Farm Safety Specialist. The WCB is also pleased to partner with the PEI Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association to offer hazard and risk assessment workshops for farmers throughout the week. 

For more information about farming safely, visit the Safe Workplaces section of the WCB website or contact WCB Farm Safety Specialist, Tara Huestis, at 902-368-6562 or 1-800-237-5049.