Free Farm Safety Assessment Available to Farmers

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has taken a proactive approach in farm safety and health and is offering a Farm Safety Program to farmers across the province to help make our workplaces safer. The program is supported by a grant from the Research and Workplace Innovation Program of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba.

KAP has hired Amanda Briese, a Farm Safety Specialist, to carry out the program for a two year term. Amanda was raised on a family farm in the Beausejour area and is still involved in every aspect of its operations today. She knows what living on a farm is all about and has the education and knowledge to help other farms incorporate safety into everyday farm life.

Overview of the program:
• Any type of farm that has employees is more than welcome to participate in the program.
• All individual farm information will remain confidential and will be held at the KAP office.
• Participants get a one on one session with the Farm Safety Specialist to undertake a risk assessment and to identify risk management strategies.
• Following the assessment the farmer is provided with a detailed written report highlighting the risk areas and action items that are recommended to alleviate potential hazards.
• A second follow-up visit to the farm is scheduled in order to review the report with the farmer and to evaluate the actions that have occurred since the report was provided.
• Depending on the results of the evaluation more recommendations to the farmer may be made in order to continue the development of safety and health on the farm.

What a typical visit includes:
• The farmer gives the Farm Safety Specialist a tour of the farm and explains the processes, functions, and operations in each area.
• A checklist is used throughout the tour to evaluate different aspects regarding safety and health.
• During the tour a number of different questions that pertain to safety and health will be asked by the Farm Safety Specialist to get a feel for the farmer's awareness.
• The farmer is also encouraged to ask questions throughout the visit in order to gain more understanding and knowledge of farm safety and health.
• Following the tour the Farm Safety Specialist will discuss the recommendations that will be written in the report and go over different safety and health information that is provided to the farmer.
• The Farm Safety Specialist is always available to discuss any issue that pertains to safety and health on the farm at any time.

The farm safety assessment is a free service to all farmers who have employees and we encourage you to participate and take advantage of the program.

To participate and get your free farm safety assessment, please contact:
Amanda Briese
Farm Safety Specialist
204-792-3294
email: abriese@mts.net