Manitoba Co-operatorArticles by Wcb Release - Manitoba Co-operator

Safely moving equipment

Wcb Release — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 08:13:27 +0000

It’s a common sight on Manitoba roads – a large piece of farm equipment, slowly making its way to the next field or the equipment shed. And too often, it leads to a collision with another vehicle sharing the roadway.

Motorists can easily be caught off guard, not aware of how much room the farm machinery takes up or how slowly it is moving. Farmers have a lot to think about too — not just making sure that motorists can see them, but also seeking out routes clear of low-hanging power lines or other obstructions.

A farm safety plan for moving farm equipment should include properly functioning lighting and signage, moving equipment during daylight, mapping out your route, ensuring there is no conflict with overhead lines, and a no-passenger rule.

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Assess your risk before operating an ATV

Wcb Release — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 08:11:52 +0000

Manitoba farmers use all terrain and off-road vehicles (ATVs and ORVs) to check fences and livestock, crop scout, spot spray and much more. No matter the task or the operator, there are hazards in driving an ATV or ORV, and a key part of any safety plan is to assess the risk and put SAFE operating procedures in place.

New and young workers are most likely to be injured in ATV/ORV incidents. That’s why it’s important to train all workers and family members on operating these vehicles and in specific procedures related to their agricultural tasks. Farmers are responsible for ensuring all workers, including themselves, are appropriately trained in every aspect of their duties.

Most ATV/ORV incidents are due to drivers losing control, rollovers, collisions, carrying extra passengers and loads. The result may be injury, disability or even death for passengers and drivers.

A farm safety plan for using ATVs/ORVs as working equipment should include training, enforced rules about wearing proper safety gear, pre-operational checks, a no-rider rule on machines not equipped for a second rider, first aid kits and a working alone plan.

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Keeping kids safe on the farm

Wcb Release — Sat, 16 Mar 2013 08:06:22 +0000

Farms are family enterprises — and that means they’re one of the few workplaces where children often live and play on the same site where powered mobile equipment and hazardous materials are located. Every farmer’s safety and health plan should include precautions to protect children, whether their own or visiting relatives’ and neighbours’.

Most incidents involving children happen when they play unsupervised, ride or play on powered mobile equipment, wander away from supervision and can access livestock barns and sheds on their own. The most common injuries are drowning, entanglement, being run over, falling and being crushed.

A farm safety plan that protects children should include creating a fenced-in, gated, safe play area, checking around equipment before operation, not leaving keys in the ignition, not carrying children as passengers and/or ensuring passengers wear seatbelts, and constant supervision.

When children begin helping out on the farm, it’s important to ensure they are physically, mentally and emotionally prepared and trained to do tasks suitable for their age.

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