Regardless of whether the injured individual is an employee, family member, visitor, contractor or a member of the general public, if they sustain a critical injury at your workplace, it is essential to report the injury to the Ministry of Labour.

Loading cows onto a trailer can be a challenging and stressful task, often requiring careful attention to the conditions, location and equipment being used. Every farm setup is different, and loading areas may vary.

Operating motorized equipment is essential for many day-to-day tasks on the farm, but it also presents significant hazards. Common hazards include the potential for collisions with pedestrians, other equipment or objects, as well as injuries from moving parts.

Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), every workplace is required to implement a workplace violence and harassment prevention program. This program must adhere to the guidelines outlined in Part III.0.1 of the act, specifically designed to prevent violence and harassment in the workplace. The program must include a clear policy, procedural guidelines, reporting forms and comprehensive training.

Let’s challenge ourselves to rethink how we approach safety on the farm this year. Do you have a dairy farm safety program in place? Is it written down? Do you have regular conversations with your crew about safety? Are your employees getting formal training? Do you make safety a top priority every day?

At the workplace, team members often engage with potentially hazardous products. Exposure to these materials can lead to injuries or diseases, depending on the type of hazard present and the specific work conditions.

Workplace inspections are a legal requirement under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Inspections are crucial for thoroughly evaluating all aspects of the workplace, including equipment, processes, materials, buildings and procedures.