The Cymri 4-H Beef Club is organizing an event to promote safety in agriculture.
A Farm Safety Day will take place on March 30 at the Weyburn Curling Rink. Several speakers have been lined up, highlighted by a speaker who survived a serious farming accident years ago.
The morning will have presentations starting at 9 a.m. Topics will include animal safety by Merck Animal Health; power takeoff, auger and machinery safety by the Saskatchewan Safety Council; all-terrain vehicle and snowmobile safety by Prairie Wind Recreational Ltd.; grain safety by the Agricultural Health and Safety Network; and electrical safety by SaskPower.
People in attendance will be split into groups and will cycle through all five presentations.
“All of our attendees will be split into five different groups,” said event spokesperson Chantal Rasmuson.
The afternoon presentation, with keynote speaker Curtis Weber, will start at 1 p.m. Spectators are asked to arrive by 12:50 p.m.
Weber was given zero chance of survival after 14,400 volts of electricity surged through his body three separate times.
He will recount his near-fatal farm accident.
“His remarkable story of triumph over tragedy will provide listeners with an insight into how his farm accident happened, how similar incidents can be prevented, and why farm safety education is so important,” said Rasmuson.
She hasn’t heard Weber speak before, but other people she knows have, and they rave about his speech.
“He has spoken for many different companies and things throughout our province. We’re super excited to have him, and I’m really looking to hearing from him,” she said.
To end the day, people will witness a mock farm accident put on by local first responders from the Midale area.
Rasmuson said farming is a very rewarding and important industry in Saskatchewan, but it is also one of the most dangerous.
“As well, the reality of the profession is that children are often around the workplace,” said Rasmuson. “This means exposure to hazards, including unpredictable livestock, potentially dangerous machinery and many more.”
The Cymri 4-H Beef Club believes it is crucial for children to learn about the dangers that exist on the farm, and how to avoid putting themselves and others at risk.
“Our farm safety day will provide informative, interactive demonstrations throughout the day,” said Rasmuson.
