January 30, 2012 -- Ottawa, Ontario -- Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) Farm Safety Report Card showed that 85 per cent of Canadian producers understand the importance of maintaining farm safety -- to prevent financial loss due to incidents, protect their family members and to keep employees safe. Despite their good intentions, only one in ten producers has a written farm safety plan. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) offers guidance in developing safety plans for their farms through the Plan * Farm * Safety campaign.

Dear Editors and Publishers,

"Plan * Farm * Safety" is the theme of the three-year Canadian Agricultural Safety campaign. This year, emphasis is on "Safety" including assessment, improvement and further development of safety systems. Last year, the focus was on "Farm" including implementation, documentation and training. In 2010, the campaign promoted "Plan", featuring safety walkabouts and planning for safety.

Hiring uninsured contractors exposes your farm to risk

by Theresa Whalen
Canadian Federation of Agriculture Farm Safety Consultant (534 words)

Hiring contractors who are not covered by your province’s worker’s compensation might save a little money but it could ruin your farm business.

According to a recent RBC Insurance survey, 25 per cent of Canadian homeowners have experienced water damage to their home over the past two years. Water seepage/leakage inside their home was the most common (36 per cent) cause with basement flooding (31 per cent) and roof leaks (26 per cent) rounding out the top three.

Depending on your home insurance policy, some of these causes of water damage may be covered, while others may not.

Canadians may be taking some risks when it comes to fire safety according to a recent RBC Insurance survey, as 36 per cent of Canadian homeowners admit they don't have a fire extinguisher in their kitchen.

"Damages from a fire can be a financial and emotional nightmare for homeowners" says Tim Bzowey, vice president, Home and Auto, RBC Insurance. "It's important to understand how employing a few simple safety tips can help protect our loved ones and homes from the dangers of fire."

by Theresa Whalen
Canadian Federation of Agriculture Farm Safety Consultant (454 words)

Farming and ranching can be a dangerous occupation. That's why it is so important to track and check each safety incident and learn from it -- so that you can prevent it from happening again.

by Theresa Whalen
Canadian Federation of Agriculture Farm Safety Consultant (534 words)

When a farm emergency happens, knowing what to do and having what you need to do it -- could mean the difference between life and death.

March 17, 2011

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Toronto, ON, March 17, 2011 -- From your windshield to your bumpers, plastics provide safety benefits in ways you may not see.

In the face of an annual average of more than 140,000 auto crashes on Canadian roads, it's good to know that many plastic vehicle components -- both seen and unseen -- contribute greatly to reducing the potential for injury.

Finding time to learn, even for just 15 minutes a day together with your child can be hard to do with today's hectic schedules. But the benefits of dedicating this time together on a daily basis, whether reading and writing, playing and exercising, or simply talking about your day, are far-reaching and beneficial for everyone.

by Theresa Whalen
Canadian Federation of Agriculture Farm Safety Consultant (458 words)

Prompt detailing of workplace injuries and illness on the farm is an important step in risk assessment and prevention.