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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes-Advocate, 1996-03-13, Page 3C'nMMIINTTy Times -Advocate, March 13, 1996 Page 3 National Farm Safety Week emphasizes the protection of children on the farm Brenda Burke T -A staff fore the busy season started," ex- CLINTON - For the second con- plained Keith Williamson, past secutive year, the theme president of the Hu - for National. Farm Safe- "Financially you Inn County Farm ty Week is child safety. can't always hire and Home Safety Alsg for the second someone to look Association, which time, the week, which is formed about 35 normally held in July, after (kids) all the years ago. time." Each municipality appoints a director for the group that meets five times a year, usually at the Ontario Min- istry of Agriculture and Rural Af- ran earlier, this year making its mark from March 7 to 13. ' "I think (the association was) just trying to promote farm safety be - Keith Williamson, at left, and Case Brand, examine a favorite tractor' owned by Brand. The mer), --affiliated with the Huron County Farm and Home Safety Association, list the operation of tractors as one of the most dangerous farm 'activities for children. fairs office. Farm Safety Week Was on its January meeting agenda. Al- though the association deals with both farm and home safety, it con- centrates most of its efforts on the farm. Huron County did not plan spe- cial events during Farm Safety Week. However, the association will soon declare winners in its safety poster contest, which has ex- isted for at least 10 years. Prize money will be divided be- tween eight and 10 winners in five grade classifications. Last year the contest received about 500 entries. A children's Farm Safety Day featuring videos is held every sec- ond year through a joint effort by the safety association and a farm equipment business in Seaforth. Media days and safety displays at area fairs and farm shows are also presented to inform the public. According to Case Brand, pres- ident of the Huron County Farm and Home Safety Association, many mars in additi6nelo'f 7� �,��e havd time to participate jp jarm safety projects. Last year the association be n a Rural Child Safety Project that in- troduced new • characters, Bernie and the Cat. Child safety on fauns has centred around machinery, with particular attention paid to the operation of tractors. "Financially you can't always hire someone to look after (kids) all the time," said Williamson, adding many parents are now waiting until children are a few years older be- fore allowing them to operate farm machinery. Besides tractors, gravity wagons used for grain, corn and beans are es- pecially dangerous for children. If a child climbs inside the wag- on, the top to bottom flow could result in suffocation. "There's one a year that gets killed that way," noted William- son. "Once it's flow- ing you can't stop yourself from going down." "Some (wagons) are so big now you need a ladder to get in," added Brand. In addition to child safety, the as- sociation has also focused on trac- Aors, silo gas, round bales and pow - i as a earn ety+ theme for two c9 aecutive years. A power takeoff or connecting shaft be- kween'a tractor and its• equipment, spins around at approximately nine times per second. "A lot of farmers will have it run- ning and jump over it," explained Williamson, adding tractors rolling over, loaders left in upright posi- tions and mowers are also high on the danger list of farm machinery. According to Brand, new tech- nology does not necessarily assure added safety. "You've got to be qualified to run it or else it's just as dangerous as the old equipment was," he said. For example, a combine mech- anized to automatically shut-off when the oper- ator steps off the seat must be operated cau- tiously. Brand pointed out a possible accident scene where a driver may get on the ma- chine while someone else is working on an- other section of it. Although machinery tends to be the focus of farm safety education, there are other hazards around the farm to consider such as round bales, chemicals, animals, ex- treme weather and working with electricity. When round bales first became popular in Huron County aboupt. 15 Yearsan% reit Pe hagdlal die properly. When carried high' on the loader, the $00 pound bat* may roll onto the driver's seat. - "It takes a lot to stop them," said Brand, adding there have been in- cidents of bales rolling over people. Chemicals, representing another farm danger, must be handled care- fully with the help of protective clothing. For instance, counter, a pesticide used to control rootworrti, is lethal when inhaled or touched. "Today one of the biggest issues (in farming) is that people are over- tired And when that happens, safety goes out the window." Anger expressed over boulevard planting ban'. Brenda Bunke T -A staff LUCAN - Despite disapproval expressed by residents who at- tended its March 5 meeting, council passed , a motion to prohibit the planting of trees on boulevards. Councillor Rosemary Gahlinger- Beaune, the only Founcil member opposed to the ban, brought up the fact trees increase property values, add beauty to the area and improve air quality. 'To simply say, 'let's prohibit boulevard tree planting...This coun- cil would be taking a step back in time," she said, adding many mu- nicipalities allow such planting. "We are unique in saying 'no'." She had expressed support for boulevard tree planting last fall and encouraged council to come up with a set of guidelines to replace its unwritten policy.following the forcing of Lucan resident Dennis Leblanc to remove two trees he had planted in a boulevard in front of his home in November. "We will do that before spring," Reeve Tom McLaughlin had re- plied. Steve- Harburn, of the Ausable Bayfleld Conservation Authority, had attended council's Oct. 17 meeting to make recommendations concerning planting trees in boule- vards. At its last meeting, council mem- bers stated reasons for opposing such planting. Town Administrator Ron Reymer felt the town lacked, time and money to develop a poi- , "If 'you have the opportunity to plant a tree," he saki, "plant it in - the right spot," referring to private pr%M's very little room for trees on boulevards," noted Councillor Harry Wraith, explaining only one area in town iwoWd,qualify for tree,, planting if a policy were put in iilace. He also thought planting A- strictions would cause problems. "We really would be restricting people if we did let this policy go through," hf added. "These pro- grams are good but they cost mon- ey too....A lot of things we'd like to do, we can't do." In an unusual move, council opened the discussion to residents attending the meeting. "I'm a tree hugger," admitted one woman who said she was lucky to already have trees planted on town property near her home. "I think you should let the rest'of the town have their fair share of trees." Another woman mentioned the trees in Lucan, Ireland, and ex- plained she had numerous species of trees on her property that would be suitable for boulevard planting. The tree's role in providing shade and averting global warming were discussed by others as was possible negative tourist reaction to a plant- ing prohibition. "If the trees were allowed but highly regulated, I think everyone would benefit...as long as they do not impede on the services," noted Mike Anderson. One resident was visibly upset , with council with what she con- sidered would be a surprise motion. "Would you please let the people of Lucan know," before a decision is made, she asked, adding, "the people don't know what's going on out there." "People have got to take an inter- est," replied McLaughlin, adding the issue had been in the local me- dia for a number of months. Gahlingher-Beaune replied it was not announced a decision would be made on March 5. 'here are strong points on both sides," said McLaughlin. "Every- one likes trees." Cub scouts, from left, Danny Shapton, Alex Ferguson and Mathew Mattuccl peer over the ramp after they lined their cars up for the next race during the Kub Kar Rally held at the the South Huron District High School gymnasium recently. Approximately 150 cubs participated in the event racing anything with four wheels. Prizes were awarded to the cubs with the fast- est car and the one with the best design. Although herbicides are not as dan- gerous as pesticides, they can be ab- sorbed by the skin. Some fumes present problems. Silo gas, which builds up during corn's fermenting process, and gas from manure, are both dangerous. "I think there's a lot less silos be- ing filled now," said Brand attrib- uting this fact to the increase in the area's cash crops. "Manure gas is just as deadly as silo gas," added Williamson. When agitated in closed off areas, the fumes are deadly. Most holding tanks for manure are equipped with fences and tops. A recent coroner's inquest con- cerning a 26 -year-old Crediton man who died last October after falling into an underground manure hold- ing tank ruled the death accidental. According to the man's relatives, safety recommendations made by the jury lack the suggestion of pen- alties. Ron Riddell, a Granton area res- t t, has owned,a liguid.viastae vs! torinpairf aincbutfirittrtii r4o;i y �ne of i tbd' biggest issues (iii farming) is that people are over- tired," lie stated in a March. 6 Sig- nal -Star. article. "And when that happens, safety goes out the win- dow. But you'll never make it 100 per cent foolproof, no matter what you do. There's no way to police it to make everything 'just so' to pre- vent accidents." STEAM DISTILLATION Recommended by the Water Quality Association for point -of -use treatment of: • Coliform • Cyanide • Bacteria • iron • Viruses • Lead • Giardia Lamblia Cysts • Mercury • Radionuclides • Nitrate • Arsenic • Copper • Aluminum • Flouride • Asbestos • Color • Sulfate • Cryptosporidium. Concerned about your drinking water? 11 I NEWS FLASH -s•TBBEAD 11:1TFR.$).4.,i-Lus is 0.v nil:. imp J.i f cliure Witter 1)i\tilleri was featured an lir LT11V 1.111:VG 111111 1)1?..'O}Y7; 13R')77II,I?.S. I 1,1 first airing occurred cru lelwtmrr 21, at 7:00 i ' I'!'ST) on the I)isc•,n rrr ( hamlet. "11(1101 int' •furllurcar(rage" 1 ,ill t,, „ r how a Lifetime water distiller can enhance iIu flavor and insure safety in sour• water Ph / Erb Zurich 2361346 Home Products Exeter Mark E. Heinrich • Authorized dealer 235-0699 (anytime) 1-800-529-9292 Visa. M C. Amex Are you ,t massing any gOVeMinentI • , „:, ..„.,....„ r,„ 6 �ry 1L Howard Johns, Exeter Wilmer Pfaff VOW Adam Hofer, Stratford Chuck MaDrae +rvey Pslleboer, Darlene Kathy Bray, , Shirley ' gilder, Fp .. co $ ;` �... "Not me." "Deflnitely! it affects every- one, the gov- emment is . cutting too much too, fast.' "Not really but 1 could have used the mads plowed and salted a few days ago, " , Exeter 'My family al lowance bene- fits maybe af- fected...1 feel terrible.' Mount eryages "No not at all and I haven't come in` coil` tact with any. one who has. I see them pick- cling on the street but 1 don't see many drivers honking to support them Maskell, Exeter "Yes, 1 have my name in for a house In Huron Park, if one becomes vacant 1 can't move in while they're on strike. Things. are ata stand - still and It's frustrating." Kirkton 'It hasn't af- fected me at all." Kerslake, Exeter "No; I'm not, not at all." *mall 'l'M•not, net . realty." National Farm Safety Week emphasizes the protection of children on the farm Brenda Burke T -A staff fore the busy season started," ex- CLINTON - For the second con- plained Keith Williamson, past secutive year, the theme president of the Hu - for National. Farm Safe- "Financially you Inn County Farm ty Week is child safety. can't always hire and Home Safety Alsg for the second someone to look Association, which time, the week, which is formed about 35 normally held in July, after (kids) all the years ago. time." Each municipality appoints a director for the group that meets five times a year, usually at the Ontario Min- istry of Agriculture and Rural Af- ran earlier, this year making its mark from March 7 to 13. ' "I think (the association was) just trying to promote farm safety be - Keith Williamson, at left, and Case Brand, examine a favorite tractor' owned by Brand. The mer), --affiliated with the Huron County Farm and Home Safety Association, list the operation of tractors as one of the most dangerous farm 'activities for children. fairs office. Farm Safety Week Was on its January meeting agenda. Al- though the association deals with both farm and home safety, it con- centrates most of its efforts on the farm. Huron County did not plan spe- cial events during Farm Safety Week. However, the association will soon declare winners in its safety poster contest, which has ex- isted for at least 10 years. Prize money will be divided be- tween eight and 10 winners in five grade classifications. Last year the contest received about 500 entries. A children's Farm Safety Day featuring videos is held every sec- ond year through a joint effort by the safety association and a farm equipment business in Seaforth. Media days and safety displays at area fairs and farm shows are also presented to inform the public. According to Case Brand, pres- ident of the Huron County Farm and Home Safety Association, many mars in additi6nelo'f 7� �,��e havd time to participate jp jarm safety projects. Last year the association be n a Rural Child Safety Project that in- troduced new • characters, Bernie and the Cat. Child safety on fauns has centred around machinery, with particular attention paid to the operation of tractors. "Financially you can't always hire someone to look after (kids) all the time," said Williamson, adding many parents are now waiting until children are a few years older be- fore allowing them to operate farm machinery. Besides tractors, gravity wagons used for grain, corn and beans are es- pecially dangerous for children. If a child climbs inside the wag- on, the top to bottom flow could result in suffocation. "There's one a year that gets killed that way," noted William- son. "Once it's flow- ing you can't stop yourself from going down." "Some (wagons) are so big now you need a ladder to get in," added Brand. In addition to child safety, the as- sociation has also focused on trac- Aors, silo gas, round bales and pow - i as a earn ety+ theme for two c9 aecutive years. A power takeoff or connecting shaft be- kween'a tractor and its• equipment, spins around at approximately nine times per second. "A lot of farmers will have it run- ning and jump over it," explained Williamson, adding tractors rolling over, loaders left in upright posi- tions and mowers are also high on the danger list of farm machinery. According to Brand, new tech- nology does not necessarily assure added safety. "You've got to be qualified to run it or else it's just as dangerous as the old equipment was," he said. For example, a combine mech- anized to automatically shut-off when the oper- ator steps off the seat must be operated cau- tiously. Brand pointed out a possible accident scene where a driver may get on the ma- chine while someone else is working on an- other section of it. Although machinery tends to be the focus of farm safety education, there are other hazards around the farm to consider such as round bales, chemicals, animals, ex- treme weather and working with electricity. When round bales first became popular in Huron County aboupt. 15 Yearsan% reit Pe hagdlal die properly. When carried high' on the loader, the $00 pound bat* may roll onto the driver's seat. - "It takes a lot to stop them," said Brand, adding there have been in- cidents of bales rolling over people. Chemicals, representing another farm danger, must be handled care- fully with the help of protective clothing. For instance, counter, a pesticide used to control rootworrti, is lethal when inhaled or touched. "Today one of the biggest issues (in farming) is that people are over- tired And when that happens, safety goes out the window." Anger expressed over boulevard planting ban'. Brenda Bunke T -A staff LUCAN - Despite disapproval expressed by residents who at- tended its March 5 meeting, council passed , a motion to prohibit the planting of trees on boulevards. Councillor Rosemary Gahlinger- Beaune, the only Founcil member opposed to the ban, brought up the fact trees increase property values, add beauty to the area and improve air quality. 'To simply say, 'let's prohibit boulevard tree planting...This coun- cil would be taking a step back in time," she said, adding many mu- nicipalities allow such planting. "We are unique in saying 'no'." She had expressed support for boulevard tree planting last fall and encouraged council to come up with a set of guidelines to replace its unwritten policy.following the forcing of Lucan resident Dennis Leblanc to remove two trees he had planted in a boulevard in front of his home in November. "We will do that before spring," Reeve Tom McLaughlin had re- plied. Steve- Harburn, of the Ausable Bayfleld Conservation Authority, had attended council's Oct. 17 meeting to make recommendations concerning planting trees in boule- vards. At its last meeting, council mem- bers stated reasons for opposing such planting. Town Administrator Ron Reymer felt the town lacked, time and money to develop a poi- , "If 'you have the opportunity to plant a tree," he saki, "plant it in - the right spot," referring to private pr%M's very little room for trees on boulevards," noted Councillor Harry Wraith, explaining only one area in town iwoWd,qualify for tree,, planting if a policy were put in iilace. He also thought planting A- strictions would cause problems. "We really would be restricting people if we did let this policy go through," hf added. "These pro- grams are good but they cost mon- ey too....A lot of things we'd like to do, we can't do." In an unusual move, council opened the discussion to residents attending the meeting. "I'm a tree hugger," admitted one woman who said she was lucky to already have trees planted on town property near her home. "I think you should let the rest'of the town have their fair share of trees." Another woman mentioned the trees in Lucan, Ireland, and ex- plained she had numerous species of trees on her property that would be suitable for boulevard planting. The tree's role in providing shade and averting global warming were discussed by others as was possible negative tourist reaction to a plant- ing prohibition. "If the trees were allowed but highly regulated, I think everyone would benefit...as long as they do not impede on the services," noted Mike Anderson. One resident was visibly upset , with council with what she con- sidered would be a surprise motion. "Would you please let the people of Lucan know," before a decision is made, she asked, adding, "the people don't know what's going on out there." "People have got to take an inter- est," replied McLaughlin, adding the issue had been in the local me- dia for a number of months. Gahlingher-Beaune replied it was not announced a decision would be made on March 5. 'here are strong points on both sides," said McLaughlin. "Every- one likes trees." Cub scouts, from left, Danny Shapton, Alex Ferguson and Mathew Mattuccl peer over the ramp after they lined their cars up for the next race during the Kub Kar Rally held at the the South Huron District High School gymnasium recently. Approximately 150 cubs participated in the event racing anything with four wheels. Prizes were awarded to the cubs with the fast- est car and the one with the best design. Although herbicides are not as dan- gerous as pesticides, they can be ab- sorbed by the skin. Some fumes present problems. Silo gas, which builds up during corn's fermenting process, and gas from manure, are both dangerous. "I think there's a lot less silos be- ing filled now," said Brand attrib- uting this fact to the increase in the area's cash crops. "Manure gas is just as deadly as silo gas," added Williamson. When agitated in closed off areas, the fumes are deadly. Most holding tanks for manure are equipped with fences and tops. A recent coroner's inquest con- cerning a 26 -year-old Crediton man who died last October after falling into an underground manure hold- ing tank ruled the death accidental. According to the man's relatives, safety recommendations made by the jury lack the suggestion of pen- alties. Ron Riddell, a Granton area res- t t, has owned,a liguid.viastae vs! torinpairf aincbutfirittrtii r4o;i y �ne of i tbd' biggest issues (iii farming) is that people are over- tired," lie stated in a March. 6 Sig- nal -Star. article. "And when that happens, safety goes out the win- dow. But you'll never make it 100 per cent foolproof, no matter what you do. There's no way to police it to make everything 'just so' to pre- vent accidents." STEAM DISTILLATION Recommended by the Water Quality Association for point -of -use treatment of: • Coliform • Cyanide • Bacteria • iron • Viruses • Lead • Giardia Lamblia Cysts • Mercury • Radionuclides • Nitrate • Arsenic • Copper • Aluminum • Flouride • Asbestos • Color • Sulfate • Cryptosporidium. Concerned about your drinking water? 11 I NEWS FLASH -s•TBBEAD 11:1TFR.$).4.,i-Lus is 0.v nil:. imp J.i f cliure Witter 1)i\tilleri was featured an lir LT11V 1.111:VG 111111 1)1?..'O}Y7; 13R')77II,I?.S. I 1,1 first airing occurred cru lelwtmrr 21, at 7:00 i ' I'!'ST) on the I)isc•,n rrr ( hamlet. "11(1101 int' •furllurcar(rage" 1 ,ill t,, „ r how a Lifetime water distiller can enhance iIu flavor and insure safety in sour• water Ph / Erb Zurich 2361346 Home Products Exeter Mark E. Heinrich • Authorized dealer 235-0699 (anytime) 1-800-529-9292 Visa. M C. Amex