Grow an AgSafe Canada

Toolbox Talks are brief, informal talks or meetings about specific topics relevant to agriculture and how to undertake these various tasks safely and properly. Download the toolbox talks below, or develop your own toolbox talk using the template and build safety on your farm.

These Producer Tools can help you grow safety on your farm.

Developing a basic emergency preparedness plan

A fast, coordinated response in an emergency can
lessen the impact of an injury and may even save a life. To prepare for medical and other emergencies, develop an Emergency Preparedness Plan and review it regularly with everyone who may have to deal with an emergency on the farm.

Grain bin assessment chart

Out of condition grain is one of the leading causes for producers to enter a bin. Across Canada, there’s an average of six fatalities every year from grain entrapment or engulfment.

Use this tool to help keep you safe if your grain is out of condition.

Hazard assessment tool

This Hazard Assessment Tool guides farmers in cataloging potential risks on their property. Throughout this process,
you can distinguish between hazardous conditions and hazardous acts. A hazardous condition is a hazard that
can be observed. A hazardous act is a hazard that is created by a person or thing. Hazardous acts often result in
hazardous conditions.

Domestic Violence

Farm communities across Canada can count on wide-open spaces, tightly bonded community relationships and a general feeling of safety. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality all across Canada and rural communities are not exempt. In fact, rural, remote and northern communities are at increased risk of domestic violence and homicide.* Addressing domestic violence is important to the safety and wellbeing of farm families across Canada.

*Jeffrey, N., Johnson, A., Richardson, C., Dawson, M., Campbell, M., Bader, D., Fairbairn, J., Straatman, A.L., Poon, J., Jaffe, P. (2019). Domestic Violence and Homicide in Rural, Remote, and Northern Communities: Understanding Risk and Keeping Women Safe. Domestic Homicide (7). London, ON: Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Initiative. ISBN 978-1-988412-34-4

Addressing Social Isolation and Loneliness

There are factors that many people living and working on the farm encounter like long work hours, physical location, weather, and other pressures and obligations that can contribute to creating social isolation and loneliness. Social isolation and loneliness can have adverse health consequences including depression, poor sleep quality, impaired executive function, accelerated cognitive decline,
poor cardiovascular function and impaired immunity.**

​**Social isolation: It could kill you. Monitor on Psychology May, 2019, American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/05/ce-corner-isolation