Although it may be a little early to be thinking about it, the beginning of September signals the return of autumn and the much anticipated harvest season. Many of us look forward to the products and produce of this season, but while we buy pumpkins and apples in abundance, seldom does our attention turn to the farmers who have produced this bounty. Farmers put in many hours of work to harvest their products and make them available to consumers in a short amount of time. The resulting farmer fatigue is a very real phenomenon. That’s why many people, including the West Region Ontario Provincial Police, have urged farmers to take breaks and avoid fatigue during the upcoming harvest season, in order to avoid serious injury.
Sgt. Dave Rektor of the West Region OPP says the added stress of harvest season puts farmers at a greater risk. “There is so much farmers have to deal with and contend with every day, [that] it makes it a very dangerous occupation. Often times we see farmers become complacent, often times we see farmers become very tired; it’s a very stressful job for them to get their crops in on time, so fatigue is an issue for them as well,” he says.
Rektor advises farmers to take frequent breaks and constantly have safety in mind while carrying out farming activities. The OPP has encouraged farming communities to talk seriously and openly about farm safety now, at the end of summer, before they get too busy during the harvest season. The OPP also notes that it is particularly essential to discuss safety issues with children and to do a farm inventory to ensure the farm is safe for kids.
The old adage, “prevention is better than cure”, is key here. We encourage everyone, and not only farmers, to act in a spirit of accident avoidance. Part of accident avoidance is to stay alert and to recognize when one is tired or stressed to the point that they become a hazard to themselves and to others. After all, it is easier to prevent accidents than to cure them.
Whether it is driving, boating or even farming, we know that complacency, fatigue and stress form the perfect combination for an accident. As lawyers, we may not be able to cure any injuries, but, in the event of an accident, we can provide the support that you need on the path to healing. If you are involved in an accident, consult with an accident lawyer.
