'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
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.