Farm safety

GOING IT ALONE REQUIRES PLANNING

By Workplace Safety & Prevention Services CONTRIBUTOR

Working alone is very common in farming, and many tasks require farmers to work unsupervised, often for hours at a time.

“One quick and easy way to stay safe is to follow the Stop Think Act approach,” says Sandy Miller, account manager for agriculture at Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS).

For more than 15 years, Miller has worked with partners and volunteers to champion agriculture safety in Ontario and beyond.

“It’s especially important to be mindful of potential hazards and risks when working alone,” Miller says. “It only takes a moment to pause and consider how to do the task safely. That moment is nothing compared to the agony of waiting for help to arrive if nobody knows you need help or where to find you.”

Changing your approach and how you prepare to work alone using Stop Think Act can help you stay safe on your own. Before you be-

Milk Taxi 4.0

“It only takes a moment to pause and consider how to do the task safely. That moment is nothing compared to the agony of waiting for help to arrive if nobody knows you need help or where to find you.” —Sandy Miller

gin, stop and consider what could go wrong. Ask yourself, “What kind of hazards could I face?”

Think about the situation and whether you’re physically and mentally ready to tackle the task. As well, ask yourself whether you have the right tools and equipment to reasonably do this task on your own.

Lastly, take the right actions before completing the task. Wear the right safety gear. Have a first aid kit with you and know how to use it. Keep your cell phone nearby and fully charged. Make sure others know where you are and when to expect you back. Check in with your team throughout the day, and keep emergency numbers and location addresses handy in case you need help.

“Print and post the Stop Think Act Checklist for Working Alone somewhere for everyone to see,” Miller says. “It has tips and suggestions to help recognize hazards and reduce risks. We suggest you hang it where it will remind everyone to take a moment each day to Stop Think Act before heading out to work alone.”

The poster is free and available to download at https://wsps.news/2Z1JCHD. It even has a QR code that will take you directly to the WSPS Farm Safety page to learn more about Stop Think Act and other farm safety resources.

This article was prepared by Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS). For more information, visit www.wsps.ca or contact WSPS at customercare@wsps.ca.

info@calfstar.com www.calfstar.com

(920) 680-5976

Innovative New Approaches to Bucket Feeding

To Learn more about the Milk Taxi Contact Your Local Calf Star Dealer!

Alberta:

Chinook Dairy Services Lethbridge (403) 328-2569 Ponoka (403) 783-2577

British Columbia:

Chinook Dairy Services Chilliwack (604) 824-4343 West Coast Robotics Agassiz (604)796-5532

Ontario:

Dortmans Bros. Barn Equipment Strathroy (800) 265-3435 Partner Ag Services Tara (877) 349-3276 Dundas Agri Systems Brinston (613) 652-4844

Manitoba:

Penner Farm Services Blumenort (204) 326-3781

Saskatchewan:

Chinook Dairy Services Hague (306) 225-5000