11 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER SEPTEMBER 2024 • Drivers must be at least 16 years of age and not prohibited from operating a vehicle by the courts • Towing vehicle must be appropriately sized for the load • Secure loads • Be aware of what is behind you and avoid left-hand turns if possible. Road safety during harvest season is so concerning that the Government of Ontario passed the Harvest Season Road Safety Week Act, 2023. The Act was put into place to help prevent accidents and save lives. The Act states raising awareness of the fall harvest season for those travelling on Ontario’s rural roads is imperative. Jampen also recommends farmers keep a copy of the Farm Guide – Farm Equipment on Ontario’s Highways in their tractor, available for download from www.ontario.ca. CHILD SAFETY A farm is a great place to raise children but also extremely dangerous. Placing young children in daycare away from the farm is the best way to ensure their safety, but it is not always possible. The following are tips to keep children safer on the farm: • Make sure everyone working on or around the farm is aware children may be present and should use extreme caution while moving equipment • Assess the farm daily for potential risks – don’t just assume if everything was fine yesterday that it will be today • Dress them in high-visibility colours so they are easier to see • Do not leave children in a running piece of equipment; they can accidentally turn things on or put equipment into gear • Make sure they are aware of the dangers of PTO shafts and augers and to stay far back • Keep them out of gravity boxes and other areas where flowing grain can entrap them; check gravity boxes or carts before unloading • Tablets, phones, and handheld devices can be a great way to entertain children, but make sure they are aware of their surroundings while using them • NO means NO when it comes to safety around the farm – it’s a matter of life or death STAYING ALERT Dick reminds farmers that fatigue is a big issue, so get adequate rest. Jampen sums it up best – “Be vigilant and pay attention!” For more farm safety tips and training programs for employees, visit www.wsps.ca or https://casa-acsa.ca. • What3words was created to assist first responders in finding people in distress more easily. The developers have divided the world into three-metre squares and assigned three words to each square. While having a 911 number for a property can direct emergency personnel to an area, it doesn’t tell them where on the property you are located. The app works by using a satellite signal, so minimal phone service is needed. In Ontario, the Ontario Provincial Police and many fire departments use this app. Check out what3words.com for more information. THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! The ‘what3words’ app can help first responders find you in an emergency situation.
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