Features Agronomy Harvesting
Safety during harvest season

To help improve safety on and around the farm, Manitobans can:

• take extra precautions when driving past or near slow-moving farm equipment;
• be respectful of other drivers, as long lineups of slow-moving vehicles can cause frustration;
• ensure all lights are working and properly adjusted before moving farm equipment on public roads;
• be aware of height, length and weight restrictions on farm vehicles and when permits may be required;
• recognize the risks associated with fatigue when driving or handling other tasks;
• regularly inspect and maintain farm equipment;
• create a safe, separate and supervised play area for children on the farm; and
• identify which farm tasks may be appropriate for young people, based on their age, skill levels and the youth work guidelines available at www.cultivatesafety.org.

In addition, Manitoba Canola Growers also sent a newsletter with their top three farm safety reminders. The newsletter reminds growers to be aware of the possibility of combine fires, especially in current dry harvest conditions. Earlier this week a grain elevator and hardware store in Crystal City, Man. were severely damaged by a fire, but the cause of the fire has not been confirmed. Despite this, it has been drier than normal across the Prairies where moderate drought conditions have been observed in the southern regions.