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the Athabasca River: Slave Lake
Area Office 780.849.7377. Report a
Wild Fire: toll free 310-FIRE (3473).
Industrial Lease
Rental Recovery
On February 21, specialized
presentations on abandoned or
bankrupt industrial leases were
given by Michele Del Colle, Energy,
Utilities and Policy Specialist for
the Farmers Advocate Office. She
presented in the afternoon at
Smith to 10 attendees, and in the
evening at Fawcett to 16 attendees.
Attendees hailed from Smith,
Hondo, Flatbush, Fawcett, Jarvie,
Dapp and Westlock. Coffee break
supplies were provided by SHARA
in Smith and PACO in Fawcett; we
appreciated their partnering.
The Surface Rights Board recently
streamlined the application
process, so you are encouraged to
apply as soon as possible, and to
remember that you must reapply
every year. Forms can be obtained
on the Surface Rights Board
website, surfacerights.alberta.ca, or
by contacting Peggy Laing at the MD
Sub-office in Flatbush.
Farm Safety:
Tips for Working Alone
Working alone on the farm is not
a new notion. In fact, a lot of farm
chores and tasks are performed
hundreds of times without incident.
However, any task you perform
in daily life (or on the farm) can
come with risks. You need to have
the ability to assess the risk and
conduct the task in a safe and
productive manner. During spring
time, safety practices need to be
enhanced in order to complete
a multitude of tasks over a short
period without incident. The
number one task that you need to
do prior to working alone is having
a plan in place so you’re able to
call for help should an emergency
arise. This plan could be as
simple as having a cell phone with
programmed contact numbers; or
telling a family member, friend or
co-worker where you’re going, what
you intend on doing and when you
expect to be back. The following
are a few tips you should consider
when working alone:
1. Is assistance readily available?
Does somebody know where I am
and what I’m doing?
2. Carry a communication device
and have a contact person.
3. Have a check-in schedule and
instruct the contact person what to
do if you fail to check in.
4. Try to avoid performing tasks
that are dangerous to do by
yourself, i.e.: confined-space entry,
high- energy sources, handling
hazardous chemicals, pressurized
materials, separating unruly
livestock, or repairing equipment
outside your physical capabilities.
5. Identify a safe escape route, or a
place to take shelter.
6. Make sure that you and your
co-workers are properly trained in
conducting the task and following
safe working alone procedures.
Although working alone can
be both meditative and highly
productive, it can also be
debilitating and devastating if not
treated with respect. Take personal
responsibility to the greatest extent
possible, since it may save your life
when working alone.