In 2022, Canada’s incidents between trains and vehicles or people totalled 232. Of those, 66 people died and 43 were seriously injured.

“Many of these incidents occurred in close proximity to the victim’s residence and each one may have been preventable,” CN Police Constable Michael Reid said in reaction to those numbers.

Given their large size, trains often appear to be farther away and travelling much slower than they actually are. Don’t be fooled. It takes the equivalent length of 18 football fields for the average freight train to come to a stop. They travel at speeds up to 100 kilometres an hour and can weigh tens of thousands of tonnes.

While farm machinery is larger than most other vehicles, it is still no match for trains. Most farm crossings are passive (without warning lights, bells or gates) so it’s essential to take extra care to ensure safety.

• MORE from the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association: Pesticide safety starts with the label

Safe crossings

When approaching a crossing, open the cab windows, turn off radios and fans, remove headsets and listen for oncoming trains. Look in both directions and look around obstructions like mirrors and windshield pillars.

Winter conditions can be particularly hazardous and require extra care, as snow can muffle the sound of approaching trains and ice can cause machinery to slide into crossings.

Once it’s safe to cross, ensure the machinery is properly lined up with the railway crossing. Having the wheels cross tracks at a 90-degree angle will prevent heavily loaded equipment from tipping over. Also check that there is enough room on the other side of the tracks to fully clear the crossing without stopping and that the back of the equipment won’t be within five metres of the tracks if it’s necessary to stop on the other side.

Be aware of equipment

Not all farm machinery can easily cross railway tracks. Low-slung equipment is one example. It can get caught in the tracks and should never be used to cross.

When using new farm machinery for the first time, especially if it’s particularly wide or heavy, ensure it can cross tracks quickly and safely. Don’t hesitate to contact the railway for assistance regarding any non-standard machinery.

If towing equipment, it’s crucial to prevent it from becoming unhitched when going over farm crossings. Always secure hitch pins with a pin key and remember to watch wagons and other equipment while crossing to ensure nothing dislodges or becomes caught in the tracks.

Getting stuck or stalled

No one wants to get stuck or stalled on train tracks, but if it happens, get out of the machinery cab immediately and move at least 30 metres away. That way, if the equipment is struck by a train, the person can avoid being struck by debris.

Once safely away from the machinery, contact the railway company to let them know a vehicle is blocking the tracks. Railway companies post their emergency numbers on a blue sign under the crossbuck (the traffic sign used to indicate a railway crossing) or near the crossing. The number may also be posted on a nearby signal house.

This is the first number to call if machinery becomes stuck or stalls on the tracks. It is the only way to stop approaching trains. If unable to locate the emergency number, call 911.

Keep it safe

“Farmers and the agriculture industry are crucial to the Canadian economy and by working together we can feed the world. But we all need to make sure we do that safely,” said Reid.

“As trains can take up to two kilometres to stop, always obey the signs and signals at railway crossings. Use precaution and stay alert around crossings to ensure you stay safe during your workday.”

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“When it comes to pesticides, the crop protection industry works to support products being made, transported, and used in a safe way,” says Erin McGregor, stewardship and policy manager for Syngenta Canada.

“Ensuring that pesticides are used correctly is a priority and integral to the protection of not only the health and safety of farm workers and the public, but also the environment.”

Reading and understanding the pesticide product label is the first step in safe use.

Read up

Before handling any pesticide, carefully read the product’s label, which provides detailed information on how to use it. A pesticide product label is a legal document that must be followed. Products should not be used in any way other than outlined on the label.

A pesticide label includes vital information such as the degree and nature of hazard posed by the product, application rate, first aid procedures, required personal protective equipment, and more.

According to Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Authority, pesticides can be used safely by following the label directions. The text reflects the results of scientific evaluation that the product has undergone and specifies the correct use to prevent unacceptable risks to human health and the environment.

Even when working with a product used before, review the label before use. It’s not uncommon for labels to be updated, for example with changes to directions, precautions or pre-harvest intervals.

Understanding the label

There’s a lot of information on a pesticide label and for good reason. It’s critical to review it and understand each section to ensure correct use. If there are questions or difficulty understanding the label, contact a local agronomic representative, a pesticide specialist or the manufacturer.

Health Canada’s Pest Management Information Service (1-800-267-6315) is also available for questions. Some of the information found on a pesticide label includes:

• Precautionary shapes, signal words, and hazard symbols
• First aid instructions
• Precaution statements
• PPE requirements
• Directions for use
• Restricted entry intervals, pre-harvest intervals, and other restrictions
• Storage and disposal instructions
• Registration number
• Product company’s name and address

Note the Pest Control Product Act’s registration number. This unique five-digit product identifier, issued by Health Canada, will help a medical professional provide the necessary treatment in an emergency.

Pesticides and PPE

Protect yourself by wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment. It may include aprons, coveralls, footwear, gloves, protective eyewear, and respirators.

Read and follow product labels to ensure you use the proper PPE. Different equipment may be required for various tasks, such as mixing, loading, application, cleanup, and entry into a treated area, and this information will be outlined on the product label.

PPE requirements can vary for different pesticides, since products differ in safety requirements. If handling more than one pesticide, choose the most protective PPE, but remember that it is only effective when used correctly.

With pesticides, the product label isn’t just a guideline. Following labels to protect human health and the environment will help ensure your safety and that of others, while also protecting your crops.

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Last year we experienced a very wet harvest season and many producers put crops into storage in wet conditions. Once spring weather arrives, the grain will thaw and can start to go ‘out of condition’ as humidity and temperature reach certain levels and grain begins to bind together.

Out of condition grain is one of the leading causes for producers to enter a bin. Across Canada, there’s an average of six fatalities every year from grain entrapment or engulfment.

Entrapment and engulfment often result from out of condition grain that has bridged over and has a void under the surface. When the producer enters the bin to assess the situation, the bridged grain gives way, entrapping or engulfing them.

Another situation is from grain that has scaled up in the side walls of the bin, restricting the flow of contents. Producers often enter the bin to remove the buildup. The buildup can slump down and entrap or engulf them.

Here are a few ways to prevent ‘out of condition’ grain storage issues, ultimately protecting your crops – and yourself.

1. The first, and most obvious way, is to dry the grain before loading it into bins. Many producers have been running grain dryers almost constantly since harvest time this year. However, this can be a costly and time-consuming option and not everyone owns a grain dryer.

2. Another way is to load the wet grain in the bin and use your aeration systems to maintain temperature and humidity at ideal levels. It’s a delicate balance as under- or overuse of the aeration system can make the grain less desirable for sale. This method calls for an understanding of the characteristics of the product being stored and a close monitoring of temperature and humidity levels.

Organizations like the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute and the Canadian Grain Commission have developed charts and resources that help farmers determine the ideal conditions for different grain varieties.

In terms of industry innovations, there are tools worth exploring: imaging technology that reads the moisture content throughout the bin, regardless of size or volume; and air bag systems that uses liners that inflate and deflate, pushing the grain through for removal without ever having to enter the bin. Take the time to research and find the right tech for your farm.

Keeping grain in good condition will help the grain flow without issues when unloading, reduce risks to workers, maintain grain quality and better ensure that you get the best price for your grain.

This safety advice article is a part of Canadian Agricultural Safety Week. Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is an annual campaign held the third week of March of each year. In 2020, Grow an AgSafe Canada, takes place March 15 to 21.

CASW is presented by Farm Credit Canada. For more information, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

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These young people are a farm’s future and a grandparent’s legacy. It’s important that grandparents understand their role in keeping kids safe on the farm.

The farm is an incredible place for kids to grow up or visit. Nothing is better than being the one to introduce your grandchild to a baby chick, or show them how to successfully pull a carrot on the first try. The farm is a great place to learn about the value of hard work and nothing is more wonderful than experiencing the joys of farming life alongside a grandchild.

Talking about children and farming can be an emotional experience. There is one thing that we can all agree on – the death of even just one child is a horrible tragedy. Grandparents are vital to the success and safety of their grandchildren. Of course it’s hard to say no when grandchildren jump up and down and plead, “Oh please Grandpa! Just one ride in the tractor!” However, your legacy depends on keeping these young people safe from harm. So what can you do as a grandparent to keep your grandchildren safe?

First of all, children aren’t miniature adults. Even the most advanced eight-year-old is still a child. Children don’t have the experience, physical strength or understanding to always make the right choice, handle large equipment or be entrusted with farming jobs.

If you’d like to introduce your grandchildren to farming, there are tasks that can teach the fundamentals without endangering their lives. The North American Guidelines for Children’s Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT) is a great tool to determine such tasks.

Establishing boundaries is essential in making sure that children understand that farming is an occupation and can be hazardous. It’s not “mean” to tell children that certain areas of the farm are off limits. Talk to your grandchildren about hazards around the farm, it’s a great learning opportunity for the children and a good reminder for you.

Supervision is key in preventing injuries. Even if you have an established play area for your grandchildren, it is no substitute for supervision. A watchful eye can prevent a tragedy.

Children model the behaviour that they see around them. Often grandchildren want to do things just like Grandma or Grandpa. It’s important that they see you perform tasks safely. If you model safe behaviour, your grandchildren are more likely to behave in safe ways too.

Rethink your traditions. If they’re risky, build new traditions. Talk about farm equipment, show them safety gear, explore the farm together in a safe and controlled way. You don’t have to put a child in a potentially hazardous situation in order to establish traditions with your grandchildren.

Grandchildren are one of life’s greatest joys. Being able to see your grandchildren grow and thrive and enjoy the farm is incredibly satisfying. Take the time to teach age-appropriate tasks, establish boundaries, provide supervision, model safe behaviour and build safe traditions. These steps will not only help keep your grandchildren safe, but will help safeguard your legacy.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW) is a public awareness campaign focusing on the importance of farm safety. CASW takes place every year during the third week of March. In 2018, CASW takes place March 11 to 17.

This article was originally published on Grainews.

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– From “Safety Subjects,” U.S. Division of Labor Standards, 1944

Falls are a serious concern for all seniors, including senior farmers. According to a report published by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Seniors’ Falls in Canada, “falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors.” These falls and their consequences affect physical and mental health and even financial well-being.

The report says that there are complex risk factors that lead to falls and they can be categorized as biological, behavioural, environmental and social.

“Each older person may face a unique combination of risk factors according to his or her life circumstances…” the report reads.

Preventing falls isn’t as simple as telling someone to be careful. Preventing falls requires attention to detail and changes to the environment and behaviours.

A Canadian Agricultural Injury Surveillance Program report says that between 1990 and 2000, falls made up the majority of hospitalized farm-related injuries among seniors aged 60+. These falls were from machines, from heights and on the same level. Many factors that lead to falls are very complex – like how machine vibrations affect balance. However, there are steps that people can take to help prevent slips, trips, and falls on the farm.

With the scope of the problem clear, there are some solutions that can be implemented on farms to prevent these very serious slips, trips, and falls. First, address the environment. Environmental hazards can be everything from poor stair design to inadequate lighting to uneven surfaces. It can also be hazards like power cords, spills, or even a family pet that gets underfoot. Take a look around the farm and identify those environmental hazards and then address the hazard. Addressing the hazard could be as simple as changing a light bulb. However, there are hazards that might be costly, time consuming or even impossible to address, and this is where changing behaviour becomes more important.

Behaviours like wearing the appropriate footwear can help reduce the likelihood of a fall. Eating well and drinking enough water are also behaviours that can help prevent falls. (Being hungry and thirsty make you feel weaker.) Some medications can interfere with your ability to keep your balance. (Talk to your doctor, explain your activities and develop a plan to reduce the impact of medications on your daily activities.) And very importantly, watch your risk taking.

The PHAC report says, “For an older person, behaviours such as climbing ladders…paying little attention to the surrounding environment… are all risk-taking behaviours that lead to falls and injuries.”

Sometimes seniors take risks that they know could lead to injuries. “But I used to do this all the time!” or, “I’ve done this before!” are comments that seniors make when asked why they take such risks.

Biological changes are a part of the natural aging process. As we age, risk factors for falls like balance changes, chronic conditions and vision changes occur. Sometimes these risk factors can be managed, but sometimes, they cannot. A part of healthy aging is creating conditions so that people can make choices and behave in a way that prevents falls — this includes not taking risks that could lead to a fall, or injury, or even worse, death.

A slip, trip, or fall can be prevented. It takes attention to detail and the commitment of everyone on the farm to prevent slips, trips, and falls. Environmental factors can be addressed through managing hazards. Biological factors can be addressed by adjusting behaviours and the environment.

Remember, this isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. Each farm, each senior, and each scenario is unique. Protect yourself, your farm and your legacy by taking steps to prevent slips, trips, and falls.

This article was also published on Grainews.

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