'It’s life changing': Farm safety top of mind during harvest
Agriculture is one of Saskatchewan’s largest and most dangerous industries.
One Saskatchewan farmer saw the hazards of the industry in 2003, when he lost part of his arm to a piece of farm machinery.
Bruce Osiowy was working alone on his farm near Abernethy, when his hand was caught in a rock picker.
After 66 hours of being trapped, he cut off his fingers to free himself.
"This kind of stuff happens so fast and its life changing,” said Bruce Osiowy.
Osiowy said the accident changed the way farms operate, saying they had to start contacting workers on a regular basis.
Communication is one of the best ways to stay safe during harvest, according to the Ministry of Agriculture.
"A lot of farms now have hired help, and making sure they have a good communication strategy with all of their employees, on farm safety, and best practices around that," Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture David Marit said.
The Yorkton Fire Department has made farm safety a focus after receiving multiple calls for help.
“We have been exposed to multiple grain bin rescues. Most of those recues, unfortunately, have been recoveries, which is a high instance in this world,” Yorkton Fire Chief Trevor Morrissey said.
The crew has spent the past week learning how to save someone who may be entrapped.
"If you find yourself in this situation, try bring your knees to your chest, and cuff your hands over your mouth, this will give you space to breathe,” Yorkton Fire crew member Casey Pfeifer said.
While the fire crew practiced rescue strategy, they also wanted to inform farmers of potential hazards.
“Our goal is to educate,” Morrissey said.
Raising awareness for farm safety has also been a mission for Bruce Osiowy.
"Be as safe as you can, and be as conscience as you can,” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.