Work in agricultural operations is ranked among Canada's most hazardous occupations.
In terms of absolute numbers of fatalities ó there were 1,769 deaths on farms and ranches throughout the country from 1990 to 2005 ó the industry is the most dangerous, says the Farm Safety Centre.
With that knowledge in mind, the Sundre and District Agricultural Society has decided to for the first time ever host informative and interactive opportunities at the curling rink, where a wide spectrum of booths covering different safety topics will be available for the public, said Karen Campbell, event coordinator and society board member.
Featuring safety tips pertaining to topics from fire extinguishers to heavy farm machinery and just about everything in between, the inaugural Safety by Choice, Not by Chance event will cater to all ages and include several speakers who will be presenting throughout the day, she said.
"Safety should be a concern for all people," she told the Round Up.
"There is always a need for extra safety awareness on the farm and rural settings."
The event, which will be set up at the curling rink, was organized in conjunction with the Sundre Petroleum Operators Group's annual Neighbours' Day and Trade Fair, which will be held at the arena on Friday, Sept. 15.
Although a variety of vendors, exhibitors and companies will have informative booths on display, the event is not commercially driven, she said.
"We're not trying to sell anything, but rather trying to enhance safety."
Ensuring that people keep safety front and centre in their minds is an ongoing effort, she said.
"Don't rush," she advises, reminding farm workers and agricultural producers not to cut corners in an attempt to save a few seconds or minutes to finish as quickly as possible.
Organizers of the event, which runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., plan to test the waters to determine whether the level of interest might warrant making the event an annual addition to Neighbours' Day, she said.
