ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER 24 SAFETY continued from page 23 similar if they’re not managed with strong health and safety practices.” Her position — and that of WSPS — is that technology must be integrated safely, with proper training, risk assessment, policies, and updated procedures. Health and safety must be modernized as the sector and its technologies are updated. It’s one of the reasons Hoffman cites recent changes in legislation that recognize the importance of health and safety regulations meeting evolving conditions on Ontario farms. Updated rules from the provincial Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development better reflect realities on the farm and help clarify responsibilities. “The regulators are a little closer to understanding where there is a need for more implementation of health and safety, and agriculture is one of them,” says Hoffman. “There are a few more rules now that they can utilize, if and when the ministry visits, inspects, or investigates a farm.” It needs to be emphasized that these regulations are not meant to punish or restrict growers, but to protect them — not just on the farm or on the ground, but to create greater awareness of road safety, working at heights, and electrical procedures. The key is to take every reasonable precaution, with training, signage, and planning. More regulations may not be needed, provided practices are updated. “WSPS is expanding its consulting, training, and resources to support these operations,” says Hoffman. “Effective training goes beyond simple warnings; it has to be practical, farm-specific, and easy to apply, or it won’t be used.” ISOLATION AND DISTANCE She points to mental health as another example: 10 years ago, it wasn’t well acknowledged within the industry. Today, it’s a key component of health and safety on the farm. The challenges are the Photo courtesy of CASA Farmers and farm businesses should review health and safety practices and requirements regularly. isolation among farmers, the long distances they must travel for treatment, and the difficulty in finding a therapist who’s familiar with today’s farm stresses. Farmers and their families can help themselves by watching for signs, creating a safe space to talk about mental health, and turning to agencies like WSPS and CASA for direction. “There is so much in this sector that is out of the control of the farmer,” says Hoffman, referring to everything from growing a crop to dealing with the stress of the world. “The best we can plan, the best we can do with some of those tasks that aren’t so split-second oriented — that bit of preventative maintenance — that’s better for you to help manage some of the adjustments we might need to make.” It comes down to taking the time to get the training that safeguards farmers, their families, and their employees. To acknowledge many of the changes taking place in agriculture that weren’t part of the landscape 20 to 30 years ago, Hoffman points to training programs through WSPS and changes that acknowledge different cultures coming to the farm and their need to understand their rights and safe practices. One hundred and fifty-nine courses are taught in English, 72 in French, and three of the most basic programs are available in Spanish and Mandarin. “They need that same level of information on health and safety for their protection, so that’s another emerging factor, and there are definitely more to come,” says Hoffman. •
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