This article appeared in the Spring 2016 issue of Pulse Crop News.

The Alberta Pulse Growers’ board of directors has spent a considerable amount of time discussing the implications of Bill 6 legislation and the amendments that passed in late 2015. Although controversy over the bill and the rallying of the farm community around labour and insurance aspects of the legislation overshadowed its purpose, everyone can agree that safety of all employees, family and children is paramount. Every farm business owner can agree that the safety of their loved ones is the number one priority on their operation.

The agriculture industry has been continuously engaged in education and extension of safe farming practices. For the past several years, the FarmSafe Alberta program has been helping farmers and farm managers implement health and safety management plans, safety plans, as well as hazard identification for workers and children on farms. The APG board recognizes that the culture of safety is well worth the investment, and allocated funds to be used for continuing education and extension of best safety practices and the bolstering of safety culture on farming operations.

APG and the three other major crop commissions partnered to fund three FarmSafe workshops in March, in Red Deer, Grande Prairie and Lethbridge. The workshops were well-attended and well worth the investment. Farm safety is everyone’s business and the protection of all managers, employees, unpaid labour and volunteers, family and friends is vitally important. APG will continue to promote safety in your workplace. If we can collectively prevent injuries and avoid even one fatality, it is well worth the investment.

If you have any questions regarding APG’s investment in farm safety culture or upcoming workshops and general safety information, contact Nevin Rosaasen, Policy and Program Specialist at 780-986-9398 ext. 5 or visit the FarmSafe website.