Farm safety isn’t just about rules and regulations — it’s about people. It’s about keeping our families, employees, and neighbours safe while doing what we love. As farmers, we live and work in the same place, and that makes safety a 24-hour responsibility.
At this time of year, many farmers are still in the midst of harvest, one of the most stressful times of the year as we race against time – and the weather – to get crops off before winter hits.
Accidents can happen in a split second, but many can be prevented with awareness and preparation. Farm safety is about knowing what to do on the farm to avoid accidents and injuries – and not just during busy times like planting or harvest, but anytime you’re working with equipment or livestock.
That means keeping equipment fixed and up to date, taking a break when you’re tired or fatigued, and not cutting corners when you’re in a rush. When working, shut down equipment before making adjustments or dislodging a blockage, keep safety guards in place and don’t let kids play around work sites or near equipment.
Have a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers handy and take a charged phone with you when you head out for the day. When frustration hits because of breakdowns or long hours, take a breath, step back, and reassess before moving on.
My wife and I farm together with our son just west of Penetanguishene where we raise broiler chickens and grow hay and field crops – and I’ve farmed long enough to know that not all hazards are visible.
Years ago, I had a close call with silo gas, which is formed by the natural fermentation of chopped hay or corn once it’s in the silo. The gas overwhelmed me quickly, and even though I was lucky to survive, my lungs have never been the same.
It’s a reminder that some of the most dangerous things on the farm can be silent and invisible. Always make sure you have proper ventilation and a backup system in place before entering a confined space.
Grain trailers and storage bins can also be dangerous and it’s easy to become trapped inside – an experience often described like quicksand. If help doesn’t come in time, it can lead to suffocation. Through the Ontario Federation of Agriculture’s Revive Fund, we’ve invested in safety and extraction training for first responders, so they know how to handle these types of emergencies.
Keeping kids safe on the farm is another top priority. They grow up watching and wanting to help, and that curiosity is wonderful, but it needs boundaries. Kids should know to stay back from running equipment, wear safety gear like boots and glasses, and never treat grain bins, wagons, or machinery as play areas. Livestock, too, can be unpredictable: a protective cow or ewe can react in an instant if she feels her young are threatened.
Road safety is just as important, but even more at this time of year when farmers move between fields, farms and other locations to harvest crops and get them to market, processing or storage. At OFA, we have invested in road safety and slow moving vehicle awareness projects across the province.
We also continually remind farmers to be cautious, courteous and safe when they’re taking equipment on the road. Check your lights, slow-moving vehicle signs, and reflective tape before heading out — especially this time of year when it’s often dark, rainy, or foggy.
Mutual respect between farmers and motorists goes a long way toward preventing accidents. For motorists, patience is key: farm equipment can’t move as fast as traffic. That means only pass when it’s safe and watch out for indicator lights and slow moving vehicle signs.
Finally, let’s not overlook mental health. Farming can be stressful — weather, unpredictable markets, equipment breakdowns, long days, and financial pressures all take their toll. The Farmer Wellness Initiative offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-866-267-6255. Taking care of your mental well-being is as vital as maintaining your equipment
Farm safety is everyone’s responsibility — and it starts with awareness, preparation, and respect for both the visible and invisible risks around us.
