Key Takeaways:
- Annual Fatalities: An average of 70 fatalities occur annually on Canadian farms, highlighting the critical need for enhanced safety measures.
- Kids FarmSafe Week: BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) introduce the first annual Kids FarmSafe Week from May 13 to 19 to emphasize child safety on farms.
- Safety Resources: The initiative aims to increase awareness and access to child-specific farm safety resources through various programs and events.
- Safety Scouts Program: BASF’s Safety Scouts program, launched in 2021, provides engaging safety education kits to North American farm families at no cost.
- Event Highlights: The week features a forum discussing the experiences of farm mothers and interactive safety games for children, aiming to foster a safety-first mindset from a young age.
Introduction
In response to ongoing safety concerns on farms, particularly for children, BASF Canada Agricultural Solutions and the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) have partnered to launch the first annual Kids FarmSafe Week. This initiative, scheduled from May 13 to 19, focuses on enhancing child safety through education and resource availability.
Context and Motivation
Statistics reveal a persistent risk on Canadian farms, with an average of 70 fatalities recorded annually. A significant portion of these tragedies involves children, underscoring the importance of targeted safety interventions. BASF and CASA’s collaboration aims to address these concerns by fostering a safety culture among farm families.
Role of CASA and BASF
Leta LaRush, Vice President of Business Management at BASF, emphasized the company’s commitment to safety, stating, “CASA plays an essential role in our industry, providing Canadian farmers and their families with the information and resources needed to make farms safer places to live, work and play.” She further highlighted the shared values within the agricultural community that drive initiatives like Kids FarmSafe Week.
Safety Scouts and Safety Captain Kits
The BASF Safety Scouts program, an integral part of this safety initiative, offers two types of kits: Safety Scout kits for children aged three to six and Safety Captain kits for children seven and older. These kits include child-sized safety vests, activity sheets, and other educational materials designed to make learning about farm safety both fun and engaging. They are available through CASA’s FarmSafe Kids site and directly from BASF.
Educational and Engagement Activities
The Kids FarmSafe Week will feature a variety of educational and engagement activities. One of the highlights is the “Journey Through FarmLand” teaching kit and game, which teaches children about farm safety in an interactive manner. Additionally, a forum titled “Experiences of Farm Mothers: Safety, Work and Children on the Farm,” moderated by Tabetha Boot, Head of Communications & Industry Relations at BASF Canada, will provide insights into the challenges and strategies related to farm safety from the perspective of farm mothers.
Photo by Elaine Casap on Unsplash
