HomeMy WebLinkAboutSaluting Huron County's Agricultural Industry, 1987-03-25, Page 25THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 1987. PAGE A25.
Remember farm safety as new season begins
Despite increased manufactur
ing developments agriculture is
still one of Ontario’s largest
industries. In the overall picture of
producing, processing and mar
keting, it employs a labor force
larger than any other single
industry.
On a national basis, agriculture
provides one-third of all employ
ment and accounts for forty
percent of the country’s gross
national product. Canadian farm
ers annually export over one billion
dollars in agricultural products. In
1940one farmer was able to supply
food for ten people. Today the
same farmer feeds over forty
people employing less labor on the
farm.
During this period Ontario farm
operators decreased from 140,000
to 90,000 while still maintaining
the same acreage in production.
This has been possible because of
increased mechanization. In re
cent years, Ontario farmers have
purchased between $50 and $60
million worth of farm machinery
each year.
However, this upsurge in the use
of highly complex machines has
been a somewhat mixed blessing;
with the increased use of machin
es. accidents have also increased.
The nine-county farm accident
survey conducted by the Ontario
Ministry of Agriculture and Food
shows some of the on-farm losses
involving machinery - 3 people
killed, 14 permanently injured, 61
temporarily injured, 1,900 days off
work and a medical bill of $15,000 -
and this for only the production
season of April to October. If these
losses are multiplied by six, these
figures provide an approximate
total for the province.
In addition to on-farm accidents
are those involving the transporta
tion of machinery on public roads.
Each year, over 200 cars collide
with farm tractors and machinery,
usually from the rear. This indi-
New careers
booklet
cates that many car drivers do not
realize the relatively slow speed of
farm equipment.
Use of the Slow Moving Vehicle
sign warns car drivers that the
vehicle ahead is travelling less
than 25 miles an hour. Car-tractor
fatalities have been reduced since
farmers have been using this sign.
How and why did these acci
dents happen? What can be done to
reduce them? Less than 2 per cent
of accidents are caused by ‘Acts of
God’, such as lightning, ice, snow
and wind; less than 5 per cent are
directly attributable to mechanical
breakdown. Most accidents with
farm machinery are caused by
carelessness and inattention and
can be prevented.
PREVENT ACCIDENTS
Designed for Safety
Manufacturers are spending
millions of dollars each year in
providing more effective safety
devices and machines with built-in
safety features. Compare today’s
enclosed machinery to the open
V-belts, chains, gears and shafts of
earlier machines. The tubular
shield that is an integral part of the
power take-off shaft is another
example of built-in safety.
Know Your Machine
The farm machinery dealer has a
responsibility to the purchaser. He
should ensure that all protective
devices provided by the manufac
turer are installed prior to delivery.
He should also take time to explain
and demonstrate these safety
devices, so that the purchaser
understands their function.
You’re In Charge
The operator must handle the
equipment in a proper manner. A
well-adjusted machine that is
adequately lubricated and main
tained in good operating condition
seldom gives trouble.
Workmen’s Compensation
All farm employees are covered
under the Workmen’s Compensa
tion Act. This Act also follows for
voluntary coverage for the farmer
and his family. While prevention is
still better than cure, this insur
ance will provide a measure of
security in the event of an accident.
For details, contact your local
Workmen’s Compensation office,
or the Head Office at 90 Harbour
Street, Toronto.
COMMON-SENSE SAFETY
RULES
Before operating
1. Sharpen cutting edges
Your dollars cover more
ground with High
Forage Seeds
Reasonably priced and processed
to a high standard of purity and
germination. -----------------------------
Quality ....
FARM
SEEDS
Special Mixtures
As in the past, we prepare mixtures
to meet your own individual re
quirements on recommendations
of the Ministry of Agriculture at
no extra cost.
LONDESBORO
SEED PLANT
- Londesboro —
523-4399
— OWNER —
Rob Shaddick
We have on hand
Locally Grown
• Barley •Mixed Grain •Timothy
and Mixed Grain
We are taking orders for
registered seed grain
‘Custom cleaning by appointment
filso Featuring
"fiTC
CUSTOM SPREADING"
■
2. Repair or replace worn parts
3. Lubricate
4. Make major adjustments
In operation:
1. Shut off the P.T.O. before
leaving the tractor seat.
2. Don’t adjust, lubricate or
unclog a machine while it is
running.
3. Keep your mind on your work.
4. Unusual noises and excessive
vibration indicate overloading or
wear.
5. Take frequent breaks. Re
member the operator will tire
before the machine.
After operation:
1. Protect from the weather
2. Lubricate to protect bearings
3. Leave in a safe position.
available
Anew edition of “ Your Career in
the Food System,” first released
late in 1985, is now available at
locations throughout Ontario.
The food system is Ontario’s
second largest business providing
jobs for one of every five people in
the province.
The popular booklet features a
look at the exciting career possibili
ties available to graduates of
specialized diploma programs
offered by the Ontario Ministry of
Agriculture and Food. Selected
graduates share their experiences
on the job and while at college.
An updated list of all agriculture
and food diploma programs and
the colleges offering each program
makes a handy reference for
students and guidance counsel
lors. There’s also a thumbnail
sketch about each college, its
programs and facilities.
Residential diploma programs
are available at the Colleges of
Agricultural Technology at Cen
tralia, Kemptville, New Liskeard,
Ridgetown, the University of
Guelph and in the French language
at Alfred.
Home study courses leading to
diplomas in agriculture and horti
culture can be taken through
Independent Study at the Univer
sity of Guelph.
A copy of‘‘Your Career in the
Food System” is available from
secondary school guidance offices,
Colleges of Agriculture Technolo
gy, the University of Guelph
diploma office, local Canada Em
ployment Centres, and Canada
Farm Labor Pool Offices, or write
to: Agriculture and Food Educa
tion Programs, Guelph Agricul-
tureCentre, Box 1030, Guelph,
Ontario, N1H 6N1.
Talk to your
Brussels Agromart man'
about
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•Complete selection of all Micro Nutrients available
•Let our own laboratory check your soil for exact
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•Complete line of application equipment serviced and
ready to go for
•Dry Fertilizers
•Anhydrous Ammonia
•28% Nitrogen Solution
//To Protect Your Crop
Insecticides and Herbicides
For
• CORN • CEREALS • BEANS
Certified by C.A.C.A.
BookEarly
forcustom application of
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dryfertilizers
Brussels Agromart
^“Helping Things
Grow”
887-6273