The Rural Voice, 2003-09, Page 72GREY
County Federation of Agriculture NEWSLETTER
446 10th St., Hanover, Ontario N4N 1P9
Email: grey@ofa.on.ca Website: www.ofa.on.caigrey 519-364-3050 or 1-800-275-9551
• The Rural Voice is provided to all Grey
County Farmers by the GCFA.
Stop and think - it's your life
Every year life on the farm and in
society as a whole is getting more
hectic, and the year 2003 to date has
given us many new challenges to deal
with. The snowfall last winter was
heavier than usual, and spring
seeding was delayed because of wet,
cold weather. Then the BSE crisis hit
all sectors hard, especially beef
operations, and if that was not
enough, the most serious power
outage in North American history
created havoc for all people in
Ontario. The most stressful situation,
however, was faced by livestock
producers who needed to supply
drinking water to their animals. So
far we really have no statistics or idea
of the overall damage caused to our
herds.
Yes, folks, with all the gadgets
and technology at our disposal, we
are beginning to think that we are
invincible, and we take many things
for granted and even begin to believe
that we are entitled to ignore the
power of nature.
Just take a moment to stop and
think of what is the most important
part of your life, and I am sure that
the safety of your family and your
own safety in the work you perform
is very high on your list of priorities.
We sure get jolted back to reality
when there is a serious injury or, even
worse, a fatality in our inner circle.
So far this year in the farm sector
we have 12 fatalities and no exact
count of injuries related to farm
work. This is a much higher figure
than in previous years and reflects the
stress that farmers are experiencing
GREY COUNTY FEDERATION
OF AGRICULTURE
DIRECTORS' MEETING
Thursday, September 11
8:00 p.m.
Grey County Agricultural Services Centre
meeting room (Grey Gables)
206 Toronto Street South, Markdale
Members are welcome to attend
68 THE RURAL VOICE
because of what 2003 has given us to
date.
In most cases we say that common
sense will prevent accidents and that
is true, but it is equally true that we
must take the time to look at specific
potential safety hazards with our
equipment and the way we do things
and take corrective action. After all, it
is your body and your life that is in
jeopardy.
Oh, yes, and then there is your
family. Let me remind you that the
effect a serious injury, or even worse,
a fatality, has on your family is
devastating. During the last year, I
attended a number of funerals for
family members who had lost their
lives. When you see the suffering the
loved ones are faced with, it is not a
pretty sight. They deserve much
better.
Therefore, safety in the workplace
must be put high on your list of
priorities at your operation. The
consequences if we don't address
safety at work, at play, on the road,
and at home are devastating to
everyone around you. If you don't
want to be a statistic, it is again time
to stop and think about the hazards
and the safety practices on your farm
and to deal with them effectively.
Please take the time. It does not hurt
and could save your life or the life of
a loved one.
One last thought: "Any injury is
only one step away from a fatality."0
— Submitted by Karl Chittka
Past President, Farm Safety Director
BSE CONTACT INFORMATION
Canada Ontario BSE Recovery Program
(Answers about the compensation package)
1-877-838-5144
BSE HELP LINE (Advice from OMAF Specialists)
1-888-292-5856
THE FARM LINE (Confidential Stress Counselling)
1-888-451-2903
Grey County Federation of Agriculture
63rd ANNUAL MEETING AND BANQUET
AND OFA REGIONAL MEETING
Friday, October 3, 2003
Markdale Community Centre
Social: 6:30 p.m. — Dinner: 7:00 p.m.
Guest Speaker: Dr. David Biesenthal, Walkerton
Tickets: $12.50/person
(available from Township Presidents or the Federation office)
Note: OFA Regional Directors, Delegates and Alternates for OFA
Convention and GCFA Presidents will be elected at the meeting