The Newfoundland and Labrador agriculture industry is
joining its provincial and territorial counterparts in celebrating
Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, March 11 to 17.
A Newfoundland and Labrador producer, Lomond Farms
based in Steady Brook on the province�s west coast, is featured in this
year�s national safety campaign for the safety precautions used at the
farm.
This year�s campaign focuses on personal protective
equipment (PPE) and its access, usage and proper fit for employees
working in the agriculture industry. The slogan, PPE only works if
you use it!, focuses on the importance of using protective equipment
within the industry.
"Personal protective equipment is an important line of
defence for agricultural workers and producers," said the Honourable
Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible
for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "However, it�s important to
remember that personal protective equipment alone does nothing to reduce
or eliminate a hazard or danger if it is not used properly."
The national campaign is delivered by the Canadian
Federation of Agriculture and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
in partnership with Farm Credit Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food
Canada.
"Maintaining safety on the farm can be difficult where
employees come and go and the work is so varied, requiring many skills,"
said Paul Lomond, owner/operator of Lomond Farms. "A lot of it is common
sense, however, I try to lead by example and make it known to my
employees that an important part of their job is to work safely."
Paul and Shirley Lomond operate 105 acres on three
locations, growing strawberries, raspberries, sea buckthorn, plums,
high-bush berries, cranberries, carrots, cabbage, pumpkins, sweet corn,
broccoli and tomatoes. Mr. Lomond attributes the low incident rate � two
minor accidents in more than 20 years of operation � to safety
precautions on the farm.
On average, 1,500 people are hospitalized and 113
killed in farm-related incidents in Canada each year. For more
information on Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, please visit
www.casa-acsa.ca
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