Rural Roots EDIT-050819_LSR_RuralRoots_Spring_WEB_Flipbook | Page 7

7 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.