The WCB Encourages Farmers to Plan Farm Safety

March 14 - 20, 2010 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week and the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island would like to remind all farmers that this is an opportune time to develop farm safety plans.

The theme for the Canadian Agricultural Safety Week this year is Plan·Farm·Safety. Before the spring season begins, farmers are encouraged to take the time to ensure that all safety measures are in put in place. Reviewing safety standards and investigating potential hazards can protect lives and livelihoods.

In 2006, the Workers Compensation Board, in partnership with the PEI Federation of Agriculture and the National Farmers Union, developed the Farm Safety Code of Practice, which provides tools and checklists designed to assist farmers in safety plan development. The Farm Safety Code of Practice was distributed to all Island farms and additional copies are available through the Workers Compensation Board.

"We are pleased that progressive change is happening since the release of the Farm Safety Code of Practice, with a 30% decrease in reported farm injuries in the past five years. However, the reality is that farming is one of the most dangerous occupations," said Nancy Guptill, WCB Chair, "and safety planning is critical in order to protect the industry's most important resources, farm families and farm workers."

More information about farm safety is available through Janice Whalen, WCB Farm Safety Specialist at 902-368-5568 or 1-800-237-5049, and on the WCB website at www.wcb.pe.ca.

For more information, contact Barbara Groome Wynne, WCB Communications Officer at blgwynne@wcb.pe.ca, 902-894-0362, or toll-free 1-800-237-5049.