The first in a series of farm safety workshops administered by Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health, Keystone Agricultural Producers and Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives is happening today.

The "Safe Farms Check" program was first announced in summer.

The program is being made available to all Manitoba farms at no cost.

"The Safe Farms Check program is an opportunity for producers to really look at their own operations and evaluate all the risks and where they can mitigate them," explains Doug Chorney, KAP vice-president. "It's about improving farm safety in day-to-day operations."

The first workshop is taking place today in Winkler (at the Heartland Inn beginning at 10am.) A second workshop will be held in Steinbach on Wednesday (at the Mennonite Heritage Village at 10am.)

The meetings provide an overview of a practical safety manual on how to make farms safer for family, employees and service personell. The manual with was tested on over 30 farms, with modifications and changes based on the feedback that was received.

Producers who complete the program will be eligible for incentives.

"Through KAP and the Manitoba Department of Labour we have developed an incentive program. Once certificates-of-completion are available for the workbook exercise, they will have opportunity to purchase materials and goods at discounted, preferential rates," says Chorney.

"We want to emphasize that the farm isn't just the workplace for employees, but it's often the home of the families that own and operate the farm. By operating a safe farm, you're protecting both the employees and your family."

~ Tuesday, December 14, 2010 ~