Last Friday the children of the Out of School Care program were in for a special treat coinciding with the Professional Day School holiday prior to the long weekend.
Carol Smailes, liaison for the Chestermere Agriculture Society initiated a pilot program for Farm Safety Awareness. A provincial mandate was sent out to all members of the society inviting them to promote safety on the farm. Creative reign was handed over to each group to promote the campaign. Smailes chose to make a fun and informative day for the children of the community’s daily Care program.
Although many children from this group are not from farms the program highlights safety issues that have application in daily households whether in town or on acreages. As well children often will visit family and friends in rural areas.
Nicole Hornett, coordinator from Alberta Farm Safety Initiative was on hand in the morning engaging the children in many hands on activities.
Different stations were set up to connect the kids. Through an interactive farm set as well as dry erase posters they were able to pinpoint potential hazards and dangers. Other stations showcased awareness of chemical look a likes comparing two substances; one healthy and good to ingest, the other poisonous and potentially deadly and how they can be sure not to come in contact with a substance that will harm them. Dugout safety was covered as well.
The afternoon brought visitors from the local RCMP and Fire Station.The kids as always were excited to interact with local constables and firefighters. Clothing safety was covered in a discussion led by Constable Blakie. For helmet safety a demonstration using eggs for heads was attention grabbing to show how vulnerable the brain is to injury. The kids were able to see firsthand how the mini helmets protected the egg from cracking as they dropped them simulating a crash. The ever present dangers caused by distractions such as IPOD usage was also covered.
Captain Brent Paquette and his crew of firefighters demonstrated equipment safety with ride on lawnmowers and a gator. As well fun was had as the kids explored the fire truck and all its workings.
This timely demonstration was a huge success as summer approaches and kids are out and about with more freedom.
The Farm Safety Initiative is an ongoing program to promote awareness of potential dangers and hazards on the farm. They suggest doing a yearly “walkabout” on the farm noting potential hazards and dangers.
In 2012 there were 10 farm related deaths in Alberta. Seventy per cent of the accidents were related to machinery with the average age being 48. One is never too old to review safety issues.
The Alberta Farm Safety Initiative is an important group to keep safety issues in the forefront of a successful farming operation. Resources and tools may be found by visiting their site at www.agric.gov.ab.ca and looking under the Programs and Services tab.
A reminder as well that the Out of School Care will be offering summer day camps. Check out the CRCA website at www.chestermerecrca.com or by calling them at (403) 272-7170.
