Canadian Agricultural Safety Association hosts second annual Kids FarmSafe week

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is hosting the second annual Kids FarmSafe Week from May 12-18, focusing on “Nurturing the Future of Agriculture.”

This event aims to raise awareness about health and safety risks for children and youth on farms.

Following the success of last year’s Kids FarmSafe Week, CASA is encouraging farm families, workers, and communities to #KeepKidsFarmSafe.

According to the latest Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting (CAIR) data, between 1990 and 2020, 435 children and youth lost their lives due to farming-related incidents, with the highest fatality rate among children aged one to four.

Sandra Miller, CASA’s Executive Director, says today’s kids are tomorrow’s farmers and ranchers, and the farm is a unique workplace where families live, work, and play.

“As an industry, we must work together to create safe and healthy environments for children and youth on Canadian farms,” explains Miller. “Kids FarmSafe Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about preventable farm safety risks and inspire more farms to embrace a culture of safety to protect the next generation of Canadian agriculture leaders.”

The weeklong campaign features daily themes addressing specific health and safety concerns for children and youth on farms, including machinery safety, water safety and drowning prevention, safe play areas, safety around farm animals, and roadway safety. Additionally, the event will include a webinar offering insights on engaging young ones in farm safety and education and a farm safety colouring contest with prizes. Details about the webinar and colouring contest can be found at www.kidsfarmsafe.ca.