Sheep and Goat Production

Sheep and Goat Production

Discussing current topics in Ontario sheep and goat production

All posts tagged farm safety

Silo Gas

Posted on Author Christine O'Reilly, OMAFRA Forage & Grazing SpecialistPosted in Forage, Forage, Risk Prevention, Risk PreventionLeave a Reply

This article was posted to FieldCropNews.com by Joel Bagg (retired OMAFRA Forage Specialist) on September 9, 2012. It was updated on May 31, 2024 by Christine O’Reilly to fix broken links to external resources. Farmers exposed to silo gas (nitrogen dioxide, NO2) are at risk of severe respiratory distress, permanent damage to lungs, and even sudden death.  It is difficult to predict when silo gas will be produced, so always take precautions following harvest. Weather conditions and agronomic practices affect the amount of nitrates in plant material, which set the stage for the production of NO2 in the silo. For example, a dry period during the growing season followed by abundant rainfall will encourage a corn crop to take up high levels of…

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Reduce the Risk of a Barn Fire

Posted on Author Marlene Paibomesai, Dairy Specialist, OMAFRAPosted in Housing, Risk PreventionLeave a Reply

Did you know? Faulty electrical systems cause approximately 40 per cent of barn fires with a determined cause, making it one of the leading known causes of barn fires. What can you do? Regular inspections and maintenance are key to reducing the risk of a barn fire. We recommend that you work with a professional to inspect and monitor your farm buildings. Have your buildings inspected and maintained regularly by a licensed electrical contractor. Develop a preventative maintenance and housekeeping schedule. Work with a professional to monitor the heat conditions of your barn using infrared technologies. Work with your local fire department and insurance company to identify problem areas on your farm, and fix any problem areas identified. Have a…

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Extracting stuck equipment safely

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in Risk PreventionLeave a Reply

Have you ever had to extract a piece of equipment that was stuck in the mud? There’s a lot that can go wrong. Purdue University Extension has an excellent publication (free pdf download) “Extracting stuck equipment safely“. Reading it could save a life. Originally posted on ONvegetables by Janice LeBoeuf

Ministry of Labour resources for farming operations

Posted on Author ONswinePosted in BusinessLeave a Reply

The Ontario Ministry of Labour has an extensive collection of resources for farming operations on their website. “Farming operation workplaces should be safe, and the employers, supervisors and workers are all responsible for health and safety. Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act applies, with some limitations and conditions, to all farming operations that have paid workers under the Act.” Familiarize yourself with this information. One resource on the site is A Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act for Farming Operations.  This guide provides important information in an easy-to-read format.