News Release WorkSafeNB and the AANB recognize CASW 2018

March 8, 2018

WorkSafeNB and Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB) are supporting the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association in encouraging all Canadians to be part of the AgSafe Family this Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW). CASW 2018 runs from March 11 to 17.

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is an annual public awareness campaign focusing on the importance of safe agriculture. The face of farming is changing. There are more farmers over the age of 70 than those under the age of 35. Seniors are vital to Canadian agriculture, but they are at higher risk of injury. That is why CASW 2018 focuses on seniors.

“Recognizing the risks and hazards on the farm, developing prevention measures, and planning are some of the key steps to keep everyone safe on the farm. This is especially important for seniors since the Canadian Agricultural Injuring Reporting statistics show that farmers over the age of 60 have a higher than average fatality rate and that farmers 80 years of age and older have the highest fatality rate than any other age group. In New Brunswick, the average age of producers is 55.6 years old, leaving a major portion of producers at a high risk for fatalities”, said Christian Michaud, Agricultural Alliance of NB president.  The AANB encourages all New Brunswick farms to commit to safety by creating a general health and safety policy and to make the most of the resources available to them. 

WorkSafeNB offers a number of safety resources for New Brunswick farmers and producers, in addition to the delivery of youth-focused Progressive Agriculture Safety Days across New Brunswick.

“WorkSafeNB believes in empowering safety champions and leaders early, and we do so by presenting Progressive Agriculture Safety Days throughout our province,” said Tim Petersen, WorkSafeNB’s acting president and CEO. “These safety days create awareness in youth who can be early champions for safety and who often help remind adults of the safety precautions we should take.”

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association also has a toolkit and other resources to help producers establish a policy statement and address topics such as safely handling cattle, all-terrain operation on farm property and basic tractor operation.

Safety tips:

• A safety audit of your farm is a great step to determine the current situation on your farm. It will let you take action to control hazards and prevent injuries.
• Take the time to evaluate your body, your mind, and your farm. Take breaks, ask for help, and consider slowing down.
  • Are there tasks that are beyond your physical capabilities?
  • Think about making adjustments as needed such as a hired worker or a new piece of equipment.
• Re-organize your workstation for efficiency and safety.

For more information on farm safety, visit fermenbfarm.ca, worksafenb.ca and casa-acsa.ca.

The Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick (AANB) is the voice of this province’s farmers. In 2006, the Agriculture Producers’ Association and the Federation des agriculteurs et agricultrices francophones du Nouveau Brunswick merged to form the AANB, a grassroots, bilingual organization of farmers working for farmers.

WorkSafeNB is committed to preventing workplace injuries and illness through education and the enforcement of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. WorkSafeNB administers no-fault workplace accident and disability insurance for employers and their workers, funded solely through employer assessments and governed under the Workers’ Compensation Act and the Firefighters’ Compensation Act.

Media contacts: 

Beverly Stears, acting communications director, WorkSafeNB, 506 632-2223

Christian Michaud, president, Agricultural Alliance of New Brunswick, 506 452-8101