WorkSafeBC, 4-H British Columbia and AgSafe have teamed up to create two new agriculture safety videos that reinforce farm safety information for thousands of young people on B.C. farms.
The videos, which will be shown at 4-H club meetings and events province wide, promote safe work practices on and around tractors and other farm machinery.
In the last five years, there were more than 2,700 injuries in the agriculture sector across the province. Farm vehicles or machinery were involved in 16 per cent of the injuries.
“The more than 2,200 4-H youth members in B.C. represent the farmers and ranchers of tomorrow,” says Doug Pasco, WorkSafeBC Agriculture Industry Specialist.
“The farm safety videos are a great resource for 4-H clubs to use in raising awareness about injury prevention with future agricultural workers and hobby farmers.”
The videos which can be seen on YouTube under 4-H Working Safely on Tractors and 4-H Working Safely Around Tractors were produced by WorkSafeBC and filmed on location at the farm of Albert and Dena Finlay in Armstrong, B.C.
Farm owner Dena Finlay has been an active member of the 4-H community since 1957.
“I’m a big supporter of the work 4-H does,” said Finlay. “4-H has been a part of my life for more than 50 years and I hope the new videos will help keep everyone focused on safety at home and on the farm.”
In the video, 4H members Tegan and Tyler share safety tips around tractors. Tractors play an important role on most farms. This youth-oriented video focuses on the safe operation of farm vehicles, including how to climb on and off the machinery, how to balance the tractor, and what hazards you need to be aware of while driving.
The pair point out that when driving a tractor avoid sharp downhill turns. Make sure the tractor has a roll over bar and that is only useful if you wear your seatbel.
For more information, visit the WorkSafeBC agriculture webpage and industry association, AgSafe.
