Harvest in Saskatchewan is high-stakes: long hours, massive combines, expanding fields, and tight deadlines. Harvest safety matters because one small oversight can cost lives. Here’s how to protect your team and your operation during the busiest time of year.
Why Farm Safety Matters
- Heavy Equipment RisksIn Saskatchewan, machinery-related incidents (combines, tractors, augers) are among the leading causes of injury on the farm. Reinstall guards after maintenance, stay alert, and always maintain visibility on the yard and fields.
- Fatigue & Long Hours
Hours stretch past daylight during harvest. Fatigue clouds judgment. Breaks matter: short breaks, hydration, and fresh air can keep your mind sharp and your harvest safer. - Overhead Hazards
Powerline contacts are preventable, but still happen. Every year, more than 300 incidents of farm machinery hitting overhead power lines occur in Saskatchewan. Always “Look Up and Live”: plan your route, lower equipment, work with a spotter, and avoid nighttime moves. - Legal Responsibility & Training
Under Saskatchewan’s Employment Act, farm operators must provide safe work environments, hazard training, and supervision. Even family members or helpers need orientation and clear roles. - Stay FocusedWith distractions everywhere, we remind you to “be alert and stay focused”. Mental fitness and focus matter as much as physical safety.
Simple Safety Steps to Keep in Mind
- Pre-Operation Walk-AroundCheck lights, fluid levels, guards, fire extnguishers, and signals before starting any machine.
- Plan for Emergencies
Have a contact list, first-aid kit, and fire suppression on hand. Make sure everyone knows the plan. - Rotate Tasks
Keep fatigue in check with hydration, stretch breaks, and task variety; even a simple change can help. - Supervise & Train Youth
If youth are helping, make assignments age-appropriate and keep them supervised. - Road Sharing Etiquette
When transporting machines, use lights, slow down, avoid moving large farm machinery at night whenever possible, and give other drivers plenty of warning.
Harvest is physically taxing and mentally demanding, but safety isn’t slowing you down; it keeps your team efficient and in the field. This #Harvest25, make farm safety your best yield.
Let every Saskatchewan farmer “Come Home Safe Tonight”.