This week is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, with a theme of supporting seniors.

The Canadian Census shows there are more farmers over the age of 70 than under the age of 35.

Agricultural Health and Safety Specialist with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA), Glen Blahey, says the purpose of the week is to start conversations within family farm operations.

"Dialogue in terms of how people are best suited to do the jobs that have to be done, and what we have to stop and think about with respect to what limitations they may bring to the job they're doing, and how we have to adjust that work process, so that we can ensure that they are adequately protected so nothing goes wrong."

Blahey says, there are a lot of mature individuals in the agricultural sector.

"During ag safety week, what we're doing is taking the opportunity to remind everyone that as we age, as we get older, there are changes that happen. Our muscle mass reduces, if we are taking any medications for any predisposing health conditions, those may have an impact on thing like our balance, our vision may be changing as well, and our reaction time may be reduced."

Blahey says, in 2016, the week focused on children and youth, and last year focused on adults.

Ag Safety week is presented by CASA, along with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture and Farm Credit Canada.

"The farm family is the most important support group in terms of keeping each other safe. By having the whole family work together and ensuring that everyone keeps safety in mind, we can help prevent farm accidents from happening," says Ron Bonnett, President of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. "Raising awareness through initiatives will help to keep safety on the top of everyone's minds while they are out in the fields."

Canadian Agricultural Safety Week Runs March 11 to 17.

For more information, you can visit their website.

 

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