Harvest season is right around the corner. It’s an important time to practice safety on the farm, although it’s also worthwhile to remind producers, families and other agriculture professionals that safety should be a year-round focus.
It’s why BASF is increasingly involved with initiatives that encourage safe agricultural environments.
“As we all know, agriculture comes with some hazards and risks, and unfortunately there are significant injuries and even fatalities that can happen,” says Tabetha Boot, Head of Communications & Industry Relations for BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions. “Working with the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, what we’re looking to do is help our employees and customers who work in agriculture stay as safe as they can and really keep safety top of mind in their day-to-day work.”
BASF, which many farmers will know from its InVigor hybrid canola and field solutions for cereals, corn, pulses and soybeans, is tackling farm safety concerns by creating fun, educational programs for kids. BASF Safety Scouts, for example, engages children in practical, interactive safety practices and free to order.
“Your child receives a CSA 296-15 compliant safety vest with five tearaway points, and reflective features,” says Boot. “The kit also includes a number of activities for the child and a parent or grandparent to talk through as they learn about farm safety, with a little reward sticker and certificate to make it fun.”
The program was developed to help support the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s (CASA) child-focused safety awareness efforts. This year the CASA launched the inaugural national child and youth safety awareness week – Kids Safety Week, which BASF was proud to support as the presenting sponsor. Additionally, the CASA has released an interactive game called Journey Through Farmland that teaches kids about potential hazards and safety practices while they play. It’s available for free loan and must be returned when completed.
“What better time to start learning safe practices,” Boot says. “Hopefully these kids can carry safe characteristics and practices through their entire lives.”
Boot also understands the important part parents play in their child’s understanding of farm safety – and the special role of mothers, in particular. In the spring, she moderated a forum called “Experiences of Farm Mothers: Safety, Work and Children on the Farm” that featured Katie Keddy and Bailey Kemery. The conversation considered what it means to juggle safety, work and children on the farm, and the unique pressures farm families face.
“They’re both farm moms,” says Boot. “The discussion was really about their approach and some best practices in identifying challenges and helping kids stay safe on the farm. It’s a resource that people can go back and listen to.”
Summer holidays might be the perfect time for parents and children to engage with some of the resources offered by BASF and the CASA, especially with harvest just a few weeks away.
“We know safety is a very important topic. We want our employees to go home at the end of the day as safe and healthy as when they arrived,” Boot says. “Hopefully we can help support our customers in doing the same thing. We’re proud to be supporters of agriculture and supporters of our customers.”
Anyone interested in BASF Safety Scouts, Journey Through Farmland, the forum discussion with Keddy and Kemery or any other educational resources can visit the CASA website. BASF’s website also has further information regarding their community support services and field products.