Hickson students get hands-on farm-safety lessons

Students watch a demonstration showing the dangers of a tractor power take-off (PTO) shaft during Farm Safety Day at Hickson Public School. Using a straw-filled mannequin, presenters demonstrated how quickly clothing can become entangled in moving machinery and emphasized the importance of proper safety guards and precautions. Gary West photo

By Gary West

With farm safety remaining a priority across rural communities, students at Hickson Public School spent Tuesday, June 16, learning how to stay safe around farm equipment, animals and other potential hazards commonly found on farms.

The event was organized under the Progressive Agriculture Safety Day program and brought together volunteers, agricultural leaders and safety professionals to provide hands-on learning opportunities for students from kindergarten to Grade 8.

Directors with the Embro and Zorra Agricultural Society helped organize the day, which is part of a long-running initiative aimed at teaching young people about farm safety. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the program, which rotates among schools throughout the area.

A variety of educational stations were set up on the school grounds, featuring tractors, balers, lawnmowers, all-terrain vehicles and other equipment commonly found on farms.

Students learned about the dangers associated with agricultural machinery and were shown practical ways to stay safe while working or playing around equipment.

One of the most memorable demonstrations involved a tractor power take-off (PTO) shaft and post-hole auger. Using a straw-filled mannequin, presenters demonstrated how quickly loose clothing can become entangled in moving machinery and why all safety shields and guards must remain in place.

Other stations focused on animal safety, ATV operation, fire prevention, chemical safety, water safety, sun safety, road safety, bicycle safety and lawnmower safety.

Organizers said the goal is to help students recognize potential dangers and develop safe habits that can prevent injuries both on farms and at home.

The annual program continues to receive strong support from local agricultural organizations and volunteers who recognize the importance of teaching safety awareness to the next generation.