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Between the ages of 14 and 17, Jessica Bailie worked at a pick-your-own farm, bakery, market and snack bar in Ontario.
A typical day involved an early start at 5:30 am, to prepare for the day. Tasks included creating baskets for picking, arranging signage, preparing baked goods and snacks, then efficiently delivering customer service and managing transactions upon opening.
While workers did receive safety training, and she felt the job was safe overall, one event scared her.
“Our hay maze was lit on fire one fall,” says Baillie. “I was there when it happened. A teenager lit it on fire, and it went up fast…I don’t remember the whole day clearly, but I happened to be nearby in the snack bar and noticed the flames, so I ran over. I felt responsible to ensure children were not stuck in that maze.”
Even though it’s impossible to predict scary events like a large-scale fire caused by arson, having a clear plan to address major emergencies is a crucial component of occupational health and safety programs in Ontario.
While fires may not be a frequent occurrence on every farm, injuries and fatalities, particularly among youth, are unfortunately common. In Canada, children are hospitalized due to a range of agricultural injuries including, blunt trauma from animals, machinery entanglements, falls from heights, machinery runovers, and being pinned or struck by a machine.
Every farm job is unique, whether it’s working with horses, tending to crops, or assisting at the farmers market. However, one constant remains: ensuring your child’s safety is critical. If your child gets a job on a farm, take these steps to help safeguard their well-being.
1. Get trained on hazards and equipment
If they will be using any farm equipment or large machinery, they need proper training. Their employer must be aware of the hazards associated with tractors and other self-propelled farm equipment and train their workers to operate them safely. If employers haven’t provided safety training, it is a major red flag. By law, your child has the right to refuse unsafe work, and they must also report hazards to their supervisor. Let your teen know that they are not obliged to do a job until they have had proper training and understand the safety risks.
2. Know how to work with animals safely
Working with animals can be wonderful, but it also comes with its own hazards, including injury and illness. It’s important that your child be well acquainted with the temperament of the animals they are working with and the associated dangers. Employers should ensure that workers who work closely with animals wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and are aware of any transmittable diseases the animals may carry. Training and instruction for workers handling large animals should include information about animal behaviour to explain why certain precautions are necessary.
3. Working at heights
Working on a farm often involves using ladders or working in high places. Make sure your teen is aware that they should receive proper training if they are going to be working at heights. If your teen is required to use a ladder at 3 metres or higher, they will need Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development-approved Working at Heights training. If your teen is working at heights under 3 metres, they will need ladder safety training. Workers are required by law to receive training before working at heights and using a fall-restricting system, a fall arrest system, a safety net, a work belt or a safety belt.
4. Workplace Hazardous Material Information System Training (WHMIS)
Farms are home to insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and more. Working with these substances can pose health risks that your child should be aware of when they begin their farm job. Workers who use or are exposed to hazardous products must receive training on WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Material Information System) and workplace procedures for storage, handling, use, disposal, emergencies, spills, and other situations.
5. Be aware of heat stress
For many farm workers, staying hydrated and recognizing the signs of heat exhaustion is crucial. If your teen will be working in the field in direct sunlight, they should wear UPF clothing, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and take frequent water breaks. Their employer should take the need for breaks into account when scheduling, plan to do heavy work during cooler times of day and ensure they aren’t working in direct sunlight, as much as possible. The employer must take every precaution reasonable to protect workers. For more information, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development also has a heat stress guideline available on their website.
While farm jobs offer valuable experience, proper training is essential for handling machinery, working with animals, dealing with hazardous substances and managing heat stress. Compliance with regulations, such as Working at Heights and WHMIS training, is imperative.
By proactively addressing these aspects of the job, parents can contribute to a safer work environment and a positive life experience for their teens on the farm.