With harvest just getting underway across the Prairies, farmers are being reminded to think about safety when working with grain. The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is urging farmers to prioritize safety around grain handling with the launch of its fifth annual Be Grain Safe Week.
The initiative is part of CASA’s broader BeGrainSafe program, which includes a mobile training trailer that travels nationwide, educating firefighters on how to safely extract individuals trapped in grain. But according to Robin Anderson, CASA’s Director of Programs and Communications, the ultimate goal is prevention.
"Of course, we don’t want to extract anybody," Anderson said. "We want everyone just to stay out. The best way to stay safe is preventing entrapment and engulfment. That’s what Be Grain Safe Week is all about—raising awareness about the dangers of moving grain."
Grain entrapment remains a serious hazard on Canadian farms. Statistics show that between 2011 and 2020, 27 fatalities were reported due to suffocation in grain or soil, placing asphyxiation among the top ten causes of fatal injuries in Canadian agriculture.
To help mitigate risks, Anderson shared several key safety tips:
Prepare for harvest by ensuring bins are in good condition and grain is properly cleaned and stored.
Educate children and unauthorized individuals about the dangers of moving grain.
Avoid working alone and establish a check-in plan so someone always knows your location.
Have an emergency plan in place, including knowing who to call and what steps to take if someone becomes trapped.
"If someone is entrapped in grain, the first thing you need to do is shut off the flow of grain and call 911," Anderson emphasized. "Don’t go in after someone that won’t help anybody. Creating a safe space and getting trained professionals involved is your best bet."
Anderson also stressed the importance of self-care and communication during the busy harvest season.
"Not taking shortcuts, looking after yourself, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep—these things help prevent mistakes," she said. "And above all, your life is more precious than any crop. Your farm doesn’t exist without you. The people who live and work on farms are the most important things that live and grow on farms."
Be Grain Safe Week (August 11-17) serves as a timely reminder for farmers to plan ahead, talk openly about risks, and take proactive steps to ensure a safe and successful harvest.
To hear Glenda-Lee's conversation with Robin Anderson, CASA’s Director of Programs and Communications click on the link below.