It's depressing news. Really depressing.
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I was glancing through one of the many farm papers I sometimes scan this week when I saw a story about a death on a farm.
The story went on to say it was the eighth accidental death on a farm in Ontario this year alone. It is I remind myself only August.
The story particularly concerned two children and that is especially heartbreaking. Although in reality I have always been conflicted by our typical gut reaction that somehow the tragic loss of a child, is more, tragic that the needless wasteful loss of a loving caring adult.
I guess in society we sort of figure an adult should have know better than to get into that grain bin, or stand near that badly balanced pile of straw bales.
This is something we have all been facing for years. Farming is one of the most dangerous professions, we know, it always has been.
In the past there was some fatalistic acceptance of that, maybe because other jobs were dangerous as well. Factories didn't have to put guards on their machines, vehicles didn't have seatbelts and protective passenger compartments, more people died too young accidentally, as a percentage of the population, so if it happened on the farm, it just happened on the farm.
We've made great strides in the workplace, in transportation safety, and I think even in agriculture in making things safer. Allow fewer accidents.
In many cases of course they aren't accidents, they are the result of carelessness, poor planning, to much haste, and sometimes being over-tired.
In most cases they are preventable.
We all know that but we also all know, it won't happen to us.
Until it does.
It is August and the summer meeting season is well under way. Federations are selecting delegates, in most counties you can find a barbecued, often combined with a tour of a field one of your neighbours is trying something different on. A chance to relax and learn, and socialize a little is always welcome. And it should be.
But if you have a bit of spare time this week or next. Take a walk around. Take a paper and clip-board, or an electronic device, take a picture and make notes of anything that could possibly fall on you, or your child, or your hired help.
Any machinery guards that aren't securing the moving parts they are supposed to secure. Any fire extinguishers that are past their recharge dates. Lose pens, sharp objects, standing water, yes it doesn't take much, or long for a little person to drown.
After you've taken the pictures, made the list, and decided what needs to be done to resolve the issues: resolve the issues. Fix them so they are safe.
If you do have children you might want to talk to them about the dangers on a farm. Remind them there are areas they can go to and areas they can't unless mom or dad is with them.
There may be no better gift you can give your child.
Anyone within the broad area this commentary might be heard can do this, and please, don't try to tell me it is time you don't have. If it saves you having to make time for a funeral parlour, it is time you can take now.
A little closer to where I broadcast from you might want to consider the farm safety day at the Chatham-Kent Children's Safety Village.
It runs August 26 and is aimed at children from four to 12 years of age. It includes safety around equipment, on the farm, streams and ditches, grain bins and more. They do ask that you pre-register if possible at 519-360-1270.
$5 per child seems like a bargain.
A safety day is a good start well worth having your children participate. And for everyone else. Safety begins at home. Try not to let it end at home.
