Agriculture Minister George Webster has proclaimed the week of March 11 to 17 as Canadian Agricultural Safety Week in Prince Edward Island. The week is aimed at increasing awareness of the importance of safety among farmers, farm families and farm workers.
“Creating a safe working and living environment on farms is the best way to protect against the risk of injuries and fatalities,” said Mr. Webster. “The Department of Agriculture is pleased to support efforts to help improve awareness of potential safety issues on farm operations.”
Mr. Webster said the department provides financial support to the Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture to conduct the Farm Safety Program. As well, for the past two years, farm operations are included under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. A Farm Safety Code of Practice has been developed to help farmers implement safe practices in their operations.
“Knowing how to work safely is important to the health and well-being for anyone working in a farm operation,” said Mr. Webster. “Preventing tragedies on farms is a goal that everyone takes seriously throughout the year.”
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is delivered by the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association with the support of Farm Credit Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.