Released on February 28, 2000
Farm Safety Week in Saskatchewan is March 8 – 15."We must be vigilant at all times in our effort to prevent farm accidents and
fatalities," Deputy Premier and Agriculture and Food Minister Dwain
Lingenfelter said praising farm safety awareness programs undertaken jointly by
farm and health organizations, the agri-food industry and Saskatchewan Labour.
In 1999, there were 18 farm accident fatalities in Saskatchewan. Four victims
were under the age of 15.
"Agriculture is one of the most hazardous occupations in Saskatchewan," Labour
Minister Joanne Crofford said. "The Farm Safety Poster Contest and Farm Safety
Calendar are part of our efforts to educate young people about the risks of
farm life so they stay safe now, encourage their parents to work safely and
become safe farmers themselves in the future."
This year's poster contest winners were selected from more than 2,100 entries
from 105 schools across Saskatchewan. The contest, open to all students from
Kindergarten to Grade 9, awarded prizes to three age groups in four safety
categories, including machinery safety, yard and livestock safety, chemical and
poisonous gas safety, and electrical and fire safety.
The 2000 Farm Safety Calendar was unveiled and distributed last November at the
Canadian Western Agribition. Copies are available from Rural Service Centres
and Saskatchewan Labour.
Farm Safety Week is sponsored in Saskatchewan by the Saskatchewan Safety
Council, the Alliance for Agricultural Health and Safety, and the Farm Safety
Program of Saskatchewan Labour.
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For more information, contact:
Carol Todd Monica Zasada
Saskatchewan Labour Farm Division, Saskatchewan Safety Council
Regina Regina
Phone: (306) 787-4156 Phone: (306) 757-3197
Cameron Wilk
Provincial Program Co-ordinator, Extension Services Branch
Agriculture and Food
Regina, Phone: (306) 787-4597