Watch your step! Injury stats point to first aid, training needs as priorities

"When it comes to the nature of injuries, foot injuries topped the list, with sprains ranking first and fractures second. Wacowich says that detail should prompt farms to think practically about emergency preparedness. "One of the things that I recommend when we're chatting about this is are you prepared to treat that kind of an injury? Does your first aid kit have a splint or something that protects a foot that now needs to be protected to get to the hospital?" she says."

"She adds that many farms overlook basic upkeep of first aid supplies, only to discover items missing when they're needed most. Ensuring kits are fully stocked and located in trucks and equipment can make a critical difference. Training is another key step ahead of spring. "So getting everybody trained... first aid training is pretty easy to come by and helps everybody on the farm," Wacowich says, noting that WHMIS, confined space, and respiratory protection courses can also strengthen on-farm safety as activity ramps up."

WCB data show farmers aged 45 to 50 experienced the highest number of grain farm injuries last year, with those 50 and over close behind and owner-operators in these age groups overrepresented in fatalities. Foot injuries topped the list, with sprains first and fractures second. Farms should prepare practically for such injuries by carrying splints or protective devices and ensuring rapid transport to hospital. Many farms overlook basic upkeep of first-aid supplies; kits should be fully stocked and placed in trucks and equipment. First-aid training and courses such as WHMIS, confined space, and respiratory protection strengthen on-farm safety as activity increases.

Read at Realagriculture