It Happened to One of Us
2021 Incident Summary
(Incident source: Alberta Occupational Health and Safety)
| Description | Injury Type | Age Range | Sector | WCB Code |
| Entanglement | Fatality | 70-79 | Hay / Grain / Crop | 1600 |
Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR Reports) found that between 2003 and 2012:
- Entanglements increased an average of 6.2% annually
- 51% of the fatal entanglements listed loose clothing or hair as the cause
- 18% of the fatal entanglements involved the victim cleaning or repairing a machine without shutting it off
- 13% of the fatal entanglements involved the victim trying to remove a blockage without shutting the machine off
Toolbox Talk: Simple Steps to Prevent Entanglements
Toolbox Talk: Working Safely With Tractor Operated Post Hole Diggers
CLICK HERE TO CONTACT US AT INFO@AGSAFEAB.CA
WE CAN ANSWER QUESTIONS, OFFER SUPPORT,
AND PROVIDE YOU WITH RESOURCES THAT WILL
MAKE SAFETY ON YOUR FARM PRACTICAL AND ACHIEVABLE.
Alberta Vehicle Extraction Association’s Farm Extrication & Machinery Entrapment Rescue Symposium
“Farmers generally understand the dangers on the farm but may not take them as seriously as they should. It’s partially education, but for the most part, people are playing the odds. A classic mistake is removing safety protection from the machine.”
– Randy Schmitz, Chairman of the Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association
The Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association (AVEA) has been busy with their 2022 Alberta Farm Extrication & Machinery Entrapment Rescue Symposium and have another event coming up early this month in Olds, Alberta.
While the importance of preventing entrapments, entanglements and engulfments on the farm cannot be overstated, it is great to know that that there are rural-serving fire departments and other rescue groups who recognize the importance of being prepared to perform these types of specialized rescues and are keeping their skills sharp by participating in these events.
For more information about the Alberta Vehicle Extrication Association and upcoming events, visit albertavx.com.
Photos courtesy of Randy Schmitz, Alberta Vehicle Extraction Association.
Photos courtesy of RescueTechs, LLC, an emergency services training and consulting business based in southeastern Pennsylvania who attend the AVEA event held at the Bow Island Fire Department in Bow Island, Alberta.
Health and Safety Representative and Committee Training
Do you have more than 4 employees on your farm? If so, you are required by legislation to have a health and safety representative (5-19 employees) or committee (20-plus employees).
AgSafe Alberta now offers health and safety representative and committee training online!
This training is free for a limited time only using promo code HEALTH22. Offer ends July 15, 2022.
Consort Creative Hands 4-H Club
AgSafe Alberta was excited to learn that the Consort Creative Hands 4-H Club recognized the importance of introducing the Cleaver Kids to farm safety and taking action. Sheri Kerr, the Assistant Leader and Cleaver Leader of the club, found engaging and creative ways to use the FARMERS CARE supporting materials to introduce the children to farm safety, including things to watch out for and what they can do to stay safe.
Thank you, Sheri, for helping spread the message about farm safety and helping keep the next generation of farmers safe.
Congratulations to Olivia, Berkley and Trent for all of your hard work and enthusiasm!
Sheri Kerr and the Consort Creative Hands 4-H Club. Olivia and Berkley are pictured here; Trent was unable to attend the Achievement Day.
SAFETY FIRST, LAST THOUGHTS
Preventing a Wildfire on Your Farm
In parts of Alberta, spring is off to a dry start. While not a pleasant thought, it is always better to do a little prevention now to avoid having to respond to, or deal with losses from, a wildfire later.
HOUSEKEEPING ISN’T JUST FOR THE HOUSE…
Remove clutter and other items that could become sources of fuel for a fire. This includes around and inside barns, garages, sheds and anywhere else combustible items such as tires or dry, mouldy feed have accumulated.
MANAGE HEAT SOURCES
Ensure that generators (e.g., hooked up to a camper), barbecues and fire pits won’t result in grass or other material catching fire.
MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Machinery and equipment fires can start for many reasons, such as fuel system issues, over-heated engines, friction from worn parts, etc. Inspecting and maintaining machinery and equipment is key. Ensure the engine is off and not hot before refuelling. Keeping a fire extinguisher and shovel on equipment might be all that it takes to prevent a small fire from becoming a devastating wildfire.
ATVs/OFF-ROAD VEHICLES
Exhaust systems and built-up smouldering debris on ATVs can ignite wildfires. Staying on dirt trails, stopping often to remove build up, and having a working muffler and spark arrestor can do a lot to prevent fires.
Farm and Acreage Guide to Reducing the Risk From Wildfire (alberta.ca)
Off-Highway Vehicle Wildfire Prevention Tips (alberta.ca)
CONTACT US
For general inquiries: info@agasafeab.ca /403-219-
For our hotline for incidence assistance: 1-833-9AGSAFE
