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Victoria Day Weekend is the official kick-off to a Saskatchewan Summer. Outdoor activities are top of mind this time of year, as Saskatchewanians get out into the wilderness and explore the backcountry. Perhaps you will spend part, or much, of your long weekend behind bars. Hopefully so.
By late May, many riders have already performed their pre-season mechanical inspections but what about those daily or mid-trip pre-ride checks? Who knows what may have changed since you parked your bike beside the tent, outside the hotel, or in the parking lot of your favourite retail stop. A quick walk-around check before jumping back on, regardless of where you are, and a more thorough routine check before each ride, can be the difference between a great ride and one that ends poorly.
Avid Moto-Camper & Motorcycle Instructor David Parker takes us through his routine inspection checklist.
Have anything to ad? Share your must-check inspection items in the comments below! Maybe you have a song you whistle or a pre-ride inspection dance? We'd be happy to hear about it. Free training and resources are made available thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence. Want to support content just like this? Play a role in the creation of a province of safety excellence. Donate Today at: www.sasksafety.org/support-us - Charitable Registration Number: 11914-0382-RR
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Four crucial tips for getting your riding season off to a safe start:
1. Perform a thorough pre-season inspection of riding gear and your motorcycle. Anything wearing out or torn, lose, leaking, or rusted?... aside from maybe your skills? Perhaps now is a good time to put markers on some key fasteners. Doing so simplifies your mid-season pre-ride inspections if you can walk around and quickly determine if anything has nudged loose. 2. Before going out on the streets, give some consideration to surface conditions. Is there still loose sand and gravel everywhere? Have you been seeing giant potholes on your way to and from the office or grocery store? Make some mental notes. 3. Find a place to practice and re-familiarize yourself with your bike. Especially focusing on slow-speed maneuvers. 4. When you do get out there, leave lots of room between yourself and the person in front of you, thereby avoiding surprise surface changes, and remember, the caged drivers (that's all of us in Saskatchewan in the "off-season", unfortunately) are not used to looking for bikes. Be as visible and as alert as possible. Want to support the creation of content just like this? Donate today at: www.sasksafety.org/donate - charitable registration number: 11914-0382-RR Free training and resources are made available thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence.
Members of our training team were on the scene, including motorcycle and ATV instructors. These recreational vehicle gurus set up live displays, featuring a motorcycle and ATV, ready to talk two and four wheels with any recreational vehicle enthusiasts who dropped by. Remember, we are always looking for paid instructors to help us run our Regina and Saskatoon courses. If you’re interested in joining our team, email us at ssc@sasksafety.org. Colouring Contest
We chose three lucky winners from each age category (5-7, 8-10, 11 and up) in our Safety Superhero colouring contest. As a take-home activity, each contest participant received a youth-oriented ATV and Motorcycle colouring sheet which contained important safety information about each recreational vehicle.
We would like to thank all volunteers and Saskatchewan Safety Council staff who helped make this event one to remember! Feedback received from parents and children was outstanding. All those who attended expressed their appreciation for the variety of activities and take-home materials.
Want to host a safety themed event in your community? It's easy with our FREE Amazing Safety Quest materials!  Left to Right: Laura (Warman, SK), Kyler (Langenburg, SK), Hiraki (Saskatoon, SK) The Les Donnelly Scholarship annually provides financial assistance to a post-secondary student who is a resident of Saskatchewan and has contributed to health and safety in their community.
In 2022, three recipients were awarded the Les Donnelly Scholarship. Laura was awarded a $3,000 scholarship, Kyler $1,000, and Hikari also $1,000. Kyler was the first student to ever complete the Career Safety Education Special Project Credit at his school. Over one semester, he spent over 100 hours researching workplace safety and completing safety courses. 26 of them! Our three recipients are shining examples of this dedication to community injury prevention. We hope that Laura, Kyler, and Hikari, continue to make a difference to the health and safety in their community and wish them all the best in their educational journey! Know of an aspiring post-secondary student in your community who has a passion for health & safety? Download an application form, and learn more about the Les Donnelly Scholarship here. 50 years. Half a century. In an old fashioned place like Saskatchewan, half a century can mean the difference between riding into town on a school bus... Or horseback.  Photo: "McCord Homecoming '71", Saskatchewan History & Folklore Society Things were different back then… Much different. For those who lived and worked here, the world around them was rife with hazardous environments. With a stubbornly deficient focus on injury prevention, and little awareness or action on the part of leadership, the world was a dangerous place. Injury statistics were not getting better. They were getting worse.
For example, seatbelts were not yet mandatory on Saskatchewan roads. Dangerous industries like mining, agriculture, and construction claimed many, many lives each year; with serious injuries occurring at a much greater frequency. Most significant of all, major employers and large companies in the province were doing little to give back to these communities that they served. The province needed a breakthrough. Saskatchewan needed its industry leaders to stand up and make a difference.
In 1974, led by the Saskatchewan Safety Council, a collection of prominent Saskatchewan professionals hailing from multiple backgrounds and disciplines first came together in the name of injury prevention. No law or mandate required them to consolidate, and they were not coerced nor commanded to assemble by their employers. Under a banner reading “Let’s Unite for Safety”, these respected leaders gathered by choice, to embark together on a mission to reduce injuries, save lives, and most importantly, enrich the province and community in which they work, live, and raise their families. Now, the enduring legacy of that very first gathering has culminated in this – The Saskatchewan Safety Seminar, the beating heart of injury prevention in Saskatchewan. A momentous three-day seminar, a paramount gathering of professionals, featuring a thrilling combination of face-to-face networking, professional development, and decision-making opportunities. A 50-year long commitment to one’s self and environment reverberates through the hundreds of professionals who right here, right now, in 2023, make the same choice - that they are better than due diligence, that their best practice lies far beyond the minimum requirement, and most importantly, that the connection between their life’s work and the community that they build, protect, and thrive in, is a responsibility that must be shared by all those who broker influence in Saskatchewan. Live and in-person for the first time since 2020, the 50th Saskatchewan Safety Seminar welcomed some of the world's best in injury prevention. Featuring the most esteemed professionals in safety, and hosting delegates representing nearly every industry in the province, the 50th Seminar left attendees with an inspiring, contagious energy. Every attendee was rewarded with the tools and inspiration to return back to their homes, eager to share the favourite lessons, reducing injuries and promoting healthy lifestyles in their workplace, community, and world around them. The 50th Saskatchewan Safety Seminar was everything we missed about live events. Over 700 delegates attended 3 days of action, with 70 tradeshow booths thrilled to interact and showcase, 22 breakout sessions jam packed with practical delivered wisdom, and of course, 4 incredible keynote speakers, capturing the imagination of the room in the palm of their hand. The buzz and anticipation of a full auditorium, the centuries-old chaos of a packed tradeshow market, and the rich, academic aura of expert-led breakout sessions once again returned to Saskatoon, SK, and not a moment too soon. Seminar is back, and it’s bigger and better than ever. This cascading buzz from the 50th Saskatchewan Safety Seminar keeps on rolling into spring, throughout summer, and onwards into next winter. Where, once again, we will gather, share, learn, and unite for safety.
Sponsors of the 50th Saskatchewan Safety Seminar: Armour Safety Bunge North America CANSAFE City of Regina Consumers Co-operative Refineries Crescent Point Energy Corp. DLS Safety Services Evraz North America FWS Group of Companies K+S Potash Canada Kelly Panteluk Construction MLT Aikins Mosaic Company One Stop Services Orano Canada PCL Construction Management PTI Transformers Inc. Saskatchewan Research Council SaskPower Sasktel SGI University of Fredericton Westmoreland Mining Worksafe Saskatchewan Where will you be in 2024? The time is now to explore the 51st Saskatchewan Safety Seminar: https://www.sasksafety.org/saskatchewan-safety-seminar.html Feel the energy of an in-person Safety Event. Explore our professional development days, featuring some of seminar’s most popular speakers: https://www.sasksafety.org/professional_development_days.html Glad to have supported community injury prevention in Saskatchewan? Consider becoming a Member or Sponsor of the Saskatchewan Safety Council: https://www.sasksafety.org/support-us.html Free training and resources are made available thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence. Donate today at: www.sasksafety.org/donate - charitable registration number: 11914-0382-RR "C’mon, we’re all doing it!" Have you heard this line before? Peer pressure, social tensions, and violence among youth is not new. Only the popular technology used to influence behviour has changed, and once again, young people have mastered it. In this ever-evolving electronic world, as technology and social development meet, young people always seem to be one step ahead of those that try to intervene early in violent behaviours; often educators, parents, and mentors.
Youth have always mastered the trendy and avant-garde technologies of their times. Leading their development, testing the capabilities in ever more creative and involving ways. This often facilitates beautiful expressions of one’s self and environment that can be incredibly healthy and fulfilling. But, for all things there must be balance. Converse to the positive expression, technology can also facilitate the expression of harmful, violent, and even criminal behaviour. The world of cyberbullying - intimidation, humiliation, spamming, harassment, and other harmful tech-facilitated violent behaviours. The trouble for concerned caregivers is that these tech-facilitated communications cannot be seen, heard, or touched. And what’s more, is that the ever-changing evolution of these communication technologies will inhibit a caregiver’s ongoing ability to recognize, intervene, and ultimately treat the youth affected. We decided to investigate this ongoing issue with our friends at Campus Regina Public in Regina, SK. Working with grade 11 students in the “Advanced Media Production & Content Creation Program”, first we discussed issues that were affecting their mental health and social wellbeing. Then, we invited this class to participate hands-on in the production of a short video project on a relevant topic to their daily lives - cyberbullying. What we heard from this class, and what has been documented in surveys collected from hundreds of youth in Saskatchewan, is that the majority of communication happens online, and that cyberbullying had risen to become the most prominent form of bullying. - SAYCW "Youth Health Survey Report 2016" By the mid 2010’s, a technological shift in communication had already occurred long before the youth of today’s school years began. These youth have always felt pressure to join in these new, ever evolving online worlds of communication, a prominent example of which being “group chats”. These multi-user chat spaces are created for seemingly every social circle. Some chats are with family, some are just for friends. Some chats are for sports and rec groups, video games, events, parties… You name it, there is a group chat for it. Two years of online learning supported group chats between classmates and coworkers, teachers and students, further driving much of social behaviour to be expressed online, and further creating an implied approval from authority that online communication is appropriate in most circumstances.
The relation between social media, and to an extent communication platforms, is only now starting to become linked to depression, anxiety, and other social stressors. Suicide rates have been steadily rising among youth in Saskatchewan, with suicidal plans and thoughts also being reported by higher and higher percentages of youth (SAYCW study). Behaviours like targeted harassment, privacy violations, social exclusion, and other harmful actions have migrated to the online space with ease. Youth take advantage of the idea that parents, teachers, mentors, and other caregivers are unaware of the harmful communications taking place online. - SAYCW "Thriving Youth, Thriving Communities 2019" Report
As mental health becomes a validated subject as we as caregivers do our best to prevent injuries and promote life, an acute awareness of the modern issues effecting youth is a must in a caregiver's quest to prepare youth with the tools they need to achieve their best. New electronic venues of communication, like “group chats”, are part of a digital world that youth have been forced to learn all on their own. By connecting these modern communication trends facing youth today, to the lessons we have learned from bullying and harassment in the past, we can better care for students and youth to ensure they are prepared to deal with the psychological pitfalls of these modern challenges. Looking for resources? FREE Mental Health Wellness Resiliency Training: https://www.sasksafety.org/online.html Sasktel Be Kind Online: https://bekindonline.com/ Saskatchewan Advocate for Children & Youth: https://www.saskadvocate.ca/ Want to support content just like this? Play a role in the creation of a province of safety excellence. Donate Today at: https://www.sasksafety.org/support-us.html - Charitable Registration Number: 11914-0382-RR Free training and resources are made available thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence. At 84 years old, Bob Butts had never imagined that regular exercise would change his life so dramatically. After a serious medical incident, his balance and strength were jeopardized, which put him at risk of a serious fall. Bob understood that his health would need more than a quick fix. It was time to become a consistently active person. “I had a Stroke in January of 2016, so I came here. When I came here, I couldn’t lift my hand up over my head. I couldn’t get out of the chair without help, and I weighed 256 pounds.”
Bob, and his personal trainer Kim, joke that Bob is now a “gym rat”, meaning he is someone who can often be found at the gym. With a nice morning routine and professional guidance in the weight room, Bob has seen consistent improvement in his physical abilities. The health benefits Bob has experienced from regular exercise keep him coming back. “I lost 65 pounds of fat and put on some muscle. I can walk in a straight line now, before I was all over the place. I used to get headaches… Kim got me doing these stretches, and before I realized it, I didn’t have headaches anymore.” Bob came to the gym so he could improve his balance, lose weight, and gain strength. While these goals were achieved, Bob also discovered that working out improved his mental health. This has greatly increased Bob’s confidence in himself and his physical abilities. “I have no health issues at all anymore. I want to be able to do things with my grandchildren, and great-grandchildren… My wife.” Bob’s journey reminds us that preventing falls and other serious injuries begins with ourselves. The most common reason for permanent and total disability is falls. Every year, 1 in 3 seniors experience a falling incident. After ensuring our homes are hazard-free, the next step in preventing falls is to strengthen our bodies. Our body is the vehicle in which we navigate our lives. To train our bodies with exercise is to respect our overall health. If you or a loved one wishes to investigate active lifestyles, first check with your doctor or health care practitioner. There are many Saskatchewan based resources to assist you in your fitness journey: Saskatchewan Seniors Mechanism - Bringing together Saskatchewan seniors organizations Forever in Motion - Helping older adults become physically active in their communities Saskatchewan Senior Fitness Association - Activity programs for adults fifty years of age and older Active Aging Canada - Trusted information and resources for older Canadians In recent years, "Mental health" has transitioned from the complex world of psychology into to a prominent everyday subject. This term has historically been shrouded in various stigmas, and is still sometimes received with discomfort, or a hesitancy to listen. However, through steady exposure and open conversation, healthy discussions pertaining to one's mental well-being are slowly becoming more common in Saskatchewan. We asked thirteen members of our community, why is talking openly about mental health important to you? Their answers varied, but one sentiment was ubiquitous throughout the group. No matter how you are feeling, it can help to talk. For others, it can help to listen. So Saskatchewan, don't hide it. Speak up. 
FREE Mental Health Resiliancy Training is available for everyone in Saskatchewan. Share this resource with your students, coworkers, family and friends to nurture healthy mindsets in your loved ones.
Free training and resources are made available thanks to contributions from our Donors, Members and Sponsors that believe in our shared goal of creating a province of safety excellence.
Our Content Team took to the streets in Regina, SK, to ask “How do you prepare for winter driving?”.
Out of all the responses we received, four key points emerge. What were the most important winter driving tips from Saskatchewan drivers? Find out below! Be Visible - Saskatchewan drivers know that visibility can be a major challenge in the winter. That's why they take extra time to clear their vehicle of ice, snow, and debris before starting a drive. Proper headlights are also important for visibility in traffic. Daytime running lights (DRL's) are sometimes not enough to be seen, especially in snowy, foggy or misty weather. Be Gentle - Saskatchewan drivers check the weather and road conditions before their trip begins. They also place a greater emphasis on steering smoothly, while gently accelerating and braking when behind the wheel. Gimme Space - Saskatchewan drivers know that leaving early is a necessary adjustment to make in the winter driving season. Icy roads mean that following distances need to increase to at least 5 seconds, allowing drivers more time to react. Saskatchewan drivers understand that intersections become especially slippery, to adjust, a driver must manage their speed and give extra space for others. IDPE - Saskatchewan drivers understand that preparation is the best way to prevent collisions. However, in a critical moment, operational skills are a necessary defense. SGI suggests drivers practice the IPDE system. First, (I) - Identify the hazard or risk. Next, (P) - Predict the effect that hazard will have on your path. Then, (D) - Decide your best course of action. Finally, (E) - Execute that action.
What winter driving tips have you learned over the years? Share them in the comments below to help new Saskatchewan drivers!
What steps are you taking to ensure the health and safety of those working with you in your operation this harvest season? - In the video below, John Agioritis, partner at MLT Akins in Saskatoon, shares a safety message and story of a farm in Saskatchewan that was fined $80,000 after a worker was fatally injured.
MLT Aikins LLP - Western Canada’s Law Firm - is a full-service law firm of more than 250 lawyers with a deep commitment to Western Canada and an understanding of this market’s unique legal and business landscapes.
Harvest season in Saskatchewan means you will be sharing the road with farm equipment. The rush to “get it done” before the weather turns cold means early mornings and late evenings for farmers. On highways, rural roads, and even in town, the winding down of farming season will bring large equipment onto public roads.  Why is this dangerous? Due to how large farming equipment can be, collisions involving them are more impactful. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 96 collisions involving farm equipment on Saskatchewan roads. Of these 96 collisions, 44 would result in injuries, and eight people lost their lives. Reviewing these numbers, we can see that collisions with farm equipment carry very serious repercussions. What are some special hazards to watch out for? The most obvious one is size and weight. These machines are larger than any other vehicle on the road, making them particularly dangerous obstacles to collide with. Farm machinery can also be deceptively wide and long, with parts protruding, taking up more than one lane width, or even the entire driving surface on more narrow rural roads. Farm equipment may be operated in muddy environments and as a result may carry or track mud and other obstacles onto the driving surface.  How do we avoid collisions involving farm equipment?
Passing farm equipment is by far the most dangerous act, putting both the driver and operator in a high-risk situation. On hills, turns, and into the sunlight, maintaining sightlines beyond the machinery is difficult. Farm equipment is also an irregular shape on the road. It is hard for your eyes to properly register, and for your mind to predict the speed and movement. Before passing, ensure you can see many kilometres down the road, and that you have the time and space to pass safely. Here are our top tips for sharing the road with farm equipment:
With kids back to school, summer vacations coming to an end, and farmers working hard in the fields, autumn in Saskatchewan is a time of change. How do you adjust your driving during this busy season? Have you got a story to share? Contact us or post in the comments below!
Why is it sometimes best to say “not today”? Impairment, weather, and road conditions are only the beginning.
The sun is shining, your bike is tuned up, and the roads are clean. Could there be anything else on your "safe to ride" checklist?
The 3rd Annual Cade Sprackman Safety Day, held on June 1st at the Hudson Bay Community School, was an inspirational example of what a community dedicated to injury prevention can do. With the help of community volunteers, grades K-6 participated in a bike rodeo, and outdoor survival lessons. Grades 7–12 students interacted with several industry and health professionals, learning about a variety of workplace and recreational safety topics throughout the day.  Cade Sprackman was a Hudson Bay Community School graduate, who was fatally injured in a workplace incident. Cade’s story is always remembered in this community, and we thank the Sprackman family for sharing their experience. Saskatchewan workers under the age of 25 are at the highest risk of injury, with over 3,000 injuries being reported annually. On June 1st, 2022, Hudson Bay, SK showed us the power of a community inspired to prevent young people from being injured or killed.
To kick off the event, Cade’s parents, Michelle and Jerry Sprackman, delivered a speech that inspired students, teachers, and community volunteers. With the audience’s focus squarely on them, they spoke about Cade’s journey. From Hudson Bay to Saskatoon, inspired by his dream of attending arts school, Cade committed himself to a hazardous new job to earn money for his education. Three weeks into his new position, Cade suffered a fatal injury. This was a powerful message for the youth in attendance, coming from parents who are forever inspired to see their community prevent young workers from harm. A quiet, focused gymnasium was reminded how precious life truly is. As the students began activities for the day, it was apparent they were having fun interacting with the 32 Skill Demonstration Stations that cycle through the Amazing Safety Quest. K-6 students enjoyed a bike rodeo, as well as demonstrations centered around water safety, farm safety, and outdoor safety. Grades 7–12 learned the importance of being safe at work, practicing skills that ensure health and safety are present in every workplace. With many of these students already employed part-time, the hands-on training came at a very opportune time for them.
Feedback received from students indicated that they enjoyed learning about the injury prevention topics through hands-on activities. A team named “Team Tigers” shared that “The Amazing Safety Quest kept us engaged about safety” and that “All of the activities were fun”. Each Team in the Amazing Safety Quest also voted for their favorite Skill Demonstration Station. For some, it was the Mental Health station, for others it was ladder safety, an AED station, the ATV station, a fatal impairment activity, distracted walking, or the lift and carry station. Collecting points through their “Team Passport”, the teams enjoyed a competitive element, spurring their motivation to score high at each station.
Teachers and Community volunteers mentioned how phenomenal it was to see so many local organizations coming together for this year’s Cade Sprackman Safety Day. The station volunteers were made up of local volunteers from health, education, and industry. One volunteer said:
The day prior, grade 10-12 students completed an in-person Defensive Driving Course which emphasized the importance of becoming a defensive driver on the road, citing law requirements, safe driving behaviors, and best practice techniques. Hudson Bay, like many Saskatchewan communities, relies on secondary and rural roads. Youth can use the tools and standards learned in the course to evaluate their own driving. The Saskatchewan Safety Council will continue to share Cade’s story, to help promote the importance of safety training and to prevent injuries and fatalities in the workplace. Career Safety Education is a FREE online program for youth in Saskatchewan, and with the support of our annual Members, Sponsors, and Donations, a wide variety of additional training is FREE for everyone in the province. Grade 10–12 students completed Career Safety Education before the annual Cade Sprackman Safety Day. Do you feel an Amazing Safety Quest could benefit your community? You can host your own Amazing Safety Quest, and the materials will be provided for you to do so. Contact Us for materials and information! The Saskatchewan Safety Council has partnered with the Ministry of Education to review and provide feedback on strengthening injury prevention and safety procedures and practices in Saskatchewan curriculums. What will change for Saskatchewan students, educators, and school communities? The MOU that has been signed forms an integral part of the Community Safety Education Strategy.  Photo: Reagan Coppicus, A Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP), delivers Fire Extinguisher training to high school students. (archive photo) What is the Community Safety Education Strategy? The Community Safety Education Strategy (CSES) was created in 2019 to provide school divisions a unified strategic approach to ensure education stakeholders are informed, involved, and engaged in creating a culture of safety for students, employees, and community. Why was the Community Safety Education Strategy created? A solution to ending our provincial unintentional injury epidemic lies in teaching future generations injury prevention values at an early age. Developing a cultural norm with injury prevention as a core value, however, takes a collaborative effort among students, parents, staff, community members, government, and industry. The Community Safety Education Strategy provides the necessary structure for this initiative. Integral to the strategy are four pillars:  How does the Saskatchewan Safety Council contribute to this strategy? The Saskatchewan Safety Council has focused attention on High Quality Teaching and Learning. In December 2021, Saskatchewan Safety Council and Saskatchewan Ministry of Education signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the intent to support and enable Saskatchewan curriculums to incorporate injury prevention (safety) outcomes and indicators where appropriate; and provide injury prevention resources that are supported by industry with best practice standards in health and safety.  Photo: Barbara Compton, Community Safety Education Strategy Coordinator The Ministry of Education Curriculum Unit reviews new and renewed curriculum documents that are used by teachers. Working closely with the Saskatchewan Safety Council Community Safety Education Strategy Coordinator, Barbara Compton; B.ED & M.ED Curriculum and Instruction, two-way communication is facilitated with feedback being provided on opportunities to strengthen injury prevention and safety procedures and practices. The Council works with the Ministry of Education to provide safety expertise from Canadian Registered Safety Professionals (CRSP's) in developing outcomes and indicators that will be embedded in new and existing curriculums. The Council works with the ministry to either source appropriate resources, or where resources cannot be found, create custom resources to meet learning outcomes. Ministry approved resources are then posted on the provincial curriculum website to ensure teachers, regardless of geographical locations, have access to valuable teaching tools. What does this mean for the education community?
The intended goal of this MOU is well-informed students, surrounded by healthy physical and social environments in community that supports living injury free. Though there is now a structure in place to ensure high quality learning outcomes are reached, this process needs feedback from those on the front lines in Saskatchewan education settings to cite areas where improvement is needed. Educators that deliver these curriculums will be in position to identify opportunities to include or improve injury prevention language and skills. As injury prevention finds its way into curriculums, educators embracing these changes will champion injury prevention and safety skills for youth, paving the way for improved injury prevention outcomes not only in the workplace, but in recreation, leisure, and all areas of life as well. Looking for easy-to-use safety education material? Free Community Safety Resources are available. An abundance of caution March of 2020, we will remember it for years to come. To keep Saskatchewan Safety Council volunteers safe, we postponed in-person content creation, translations, or events until it was safe to do so. Today, we continue to live with Covid-19, but now we are more cautious and prepared. In 2021, our Saskatchewan Safety Council Volunteer Team jumped at the chance to participate in content creation, translation, and events. We had the pleasure of listening to New Canadian families describe their experiences coming to Saskatchewan, their safety concerns, and the community groups that helped them find resources. Our Content Team met community members discussing addictions and substance abuse, and Seniors in Saskatchewan showed us the beautiful benefits of “keep it moving”! Welcoming volunteers in 2022 Speaking about mental health, in January of 2022 we extended an invitation to participate in a mental health resource video. Our staff and volunteers answered the call generously, with 13 participants volunteering to participate! Those who were involved in this mental health resource video shared their thoughts on why being open and speaking up about mental health is important to them. Each volunteer had their own thoughts, their own opinions, but one message remained the same, “Don't hide it, speak up”! Videos like this need to be translated into other languages spoken across Saskatchewan. If you are bilingual and interested in translating safety video resources or text material, please email volunteer@sasksafety.org. For those who have moved to Saskatchewan from another province or country, you know how difficult it can be to understand information that is only available in English. Our resources, and the services that Saskatchewan Safety Council has to offer, can benefit any community and injury prevention services are available for all ages. To be prepared, understanding the information completely is necessary, and you can help members of your community by translating this content. Looking forward, our Volunteer Team will have an important role in future content creation pieces and events. Our Safety Centre of Excellence site will need support, not just during the construction phase, but as operations kick into gear the help of the community and our Volunteer Team will be integral to this success of this project. Please volunteer, share, and subscribe for updates on this amazing news, a long-time dream is finally in the stages of coming true.
 Are you our next Community Safety Champion?
Why become a volunteer with Saskatchewan Safety Council? We can’t complete our mission to Create a Province of Safety Excellence without you! Whether it is being involved in our video resources, on camera, translating important safety messaging and resources, becoming a Community Safety Champion or Social Media Advocate, or being a part of an Event Steering Committee, each role helps to support the work that we do and supports the prevention of injuries from happening in Saskatchewan. When they say it takes a village, that statement couldn’t be more true. Join us and complete a Volunteer Application Request today: https://www.sasksafety.org/volunteer.html.  - Amanda Wood, Community Relations Coordinator
Derek Wold, Committee Chair of Steps for Life, shared that their goal for donations was increased three times, and that the Regina area campaign progress raised over $5,000!
Every day, there are 3 workers who die in Canada resulting from a workplace incident, which every year leaves over 1,000 families to heal and try to live on without their loved ones. If you were unable to attend this year, we hope to see you next year! The Steps for Life walk takes place across Canada, and in Saskatchewan, the annual fundraising walks are held in Regina and Saskatoon. We invite you to learn more about Steps for Life and welcome you to join us and continue to offer support to these families suffering and help us to prevent these incidents from happening altogether.  Wascana Park hosts this charity fundraiser and support walk in Regina. “I didn’t even see them!” are the classic words spoken following a 4-wheel on 2-wheel collision. After so many variations of the ‘unseen motorcycle’ story have been repeated by so many drivers after collisions, it’s time to ask the question – Why can’t other drivers see motorcycles in traffic?  The first and foremost reason may be a result of habit. In the spring, motorcycles are not a fixed presence on Saskatchewan roads. Many "caged" drivers have not shared the road with motorcycles for over 5-6 months. Simply put, the 4-wheeler's subconscious mind may have forgotten that the 2-wheelers even exist.
While that may explain some bad springtime habits, the mystery of the unseen motorcycle remains at large all season long. So, what else could be causing this lack of awareness? Let's look at some factors that seem to hide bikers from the eyes (and minds) of other Saskatchewan drivers. Selective attention: Brains set to ‘driving mode’ are looking for obstacles. Many young drivers train themselves to scan for car and truck shaped objects - a habit that does not account for slender, two wheeled objects. The solution? Be as visible as possible. Break through the visual bias that keeps you in the background. Honk, wave, and wear bright colours. Peripheral blindness: The average peripheral vision is weak at best, and is geared towards movement. With the average driver looking for box-like vehicles, that leaves motorcycles to get lost in the blur. The solution? Appeal to peripheral vision with movement. Hand waves, head nods, gentle speed variation. Stand out however possible. Blind spots: Not just applicable to rear mirrors and big fluffy dice, those pillars surrounding the windshield can already obscure a full-sized vehicle… Think of how completely a motorcycle gets swallowed up in these additional blind spots. The solution? Recognize when you are approaching a vehicle at the 10 or 2 o’clock positions, knowing that you may be obscured. Avoid lingering in rear gates that might fall into blind spots. Headlights: A motorcycle’s single headlight is more likely to be passed over and ignored, as it does not ‘match’ the two-beam headlights a driver is expecting to see on the road. 4-wheel vehicles with burnt out headlights experience the same effect – they don’t match the ‘normal’ form of a vehicle, so other motorists mysteriously don’t register their presence. The solution? Keep your headlights on bright in the daytime. Keep them clean and maintained at all times. Sunlight: Both fighter pilots and birds of prey attack “out of the sun”. Why? Because contrast (shadow) stands out more than anything when registering new objects. The difference is, these attackers want to be hidden, motorcyclists should not. The solution? Notice your shadow. If your shadow is pointing down road, those cars are having trouble seeing you! Avoid wearing black, grey or other background colours. Familiarity: More than 50% of collisions occur within 8km of the home, and 25% occur within the first 3 minutes of driving. These familiar roads close to home get neglected by drivers feeling a false sense of security. The solution? Don’t fall for this yourself! Those last few turns before arriving home may tempt the mind to wander. Stay vigilant from start to finish.  At the end of the day, it is up to each rider to take safety into their own hands. As we learn the psychology behind this spring 'psych-out' that plagues many drivers during the early riding season, we can help remind drivers that yes, motorcycles exist, and yes, we are back for another year of sharing the road.
Nitrogen fertilizer usage in Western Canada has increased from 1.6 Million Tonnes to nearly 2.3 Million tonnes in the last decade, and Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) makes up a large portion of this increase.  Photo: An Anhydrous Ammonia transport truck operated by Federated Cooperatives Limited. Anhydrous Ammonia (NH3) is the richest form of nitrogen available for producers. As a fertilizer, it provides essential nitrogen for plants. It is safe to work with NH3 as long as it is stored, transported, and handled properly. Before working with Anhydrous Ammonia, ask your retailer to explain the step-by-step procedures for NH3 application.
Fertilizer Canada recommends these precautions for working with NH3:
Looking for more Agriculture Safety Resources to share with new & young workers? Leading the Council's vehicle and traffic training in Saskatoon is Michelle Reaburn, a long-time instructor and traffic safety specialist. In-person training gets a boost in the bridge city as Michelle teaches the Defensive Driving Course, which is always in high demand. Michelle delivers higher level training such as the Professional Driver Improvement Course, while also performing in-car driver assessments in Saskatoon. Michelle shares her story below.  Michelle Reaburn performing an in-vehicle assessment in Saskatoon, SK My background is in transportation. I started as a driver, moved into training, and then on to facilitation within the transportation industry. My focus has always been passenger safety and road safety. Over the last 15 years, I’ve expanded into developing and facilitating “Respectful Workplace” and “Leadership within the Workplace” courses. I have been teaching the Canada Safety Council's DDC and PDIC courses since 2014. In 2015, I was contracted by the Saskatchewan Safety Council to facilitate the SGI Defensive Driving course in Saskatoon. Driver Assessments were added into my responsibilities shortly after that. Since coming onboard full-time with the Council my portfolio has expanded to include “15 Passenger Van Safety” and “Trailer Towing”. “Skid Smart Collision Avoidance” and FIT testing are soon to be added. I am also on a couple of teams dedicated to the development of Council programming. I am really excited about this new opportunity and getting to know everyone. Training courses are hosted as open enrollment on our training calendar, with many more available upon request. View our traffic training courses to find the right fit for you.
Aerial Work Platforms are an extremely useful tool for any construction/industrial worksite. They allow workers to gain access to areas without the use of the deadly ladder. They are very smooth to operate and usually allow more than one worker to operate within them. With the right training and practice, they are the cat’s meow. In training, you learn one of the most dangerous actions when operating them is moving, repositioning, or travelling with them (Driving). Due to the design, what may look like a bit of a bump for the machine, turns into a massive bump for whomever may be within or on them.  Utilizing fall protection equipment that RESTRAINS a worker within the platform is essential. This includes the use of a fall protection harness, a short lanyard, and a complete connection to the anchor point on the lift. In this case... there was obviously not so much of a complete connection.
Does your operation work at heights? Do your employees know how to inspect a fall protection set up to ensure its proper operation? Our fall protection courses range from entry level to supervisor and inspector level training. By training with us, you support injury prevention efforts across Saskatchewan.
Saskatchewan's great spring awakening is underway. Have you peeled off the tarp and tuned up your two-wheeler for the spring riding season? Let's take a look at what hazards might await you on that first trip out of the garage.
Does this springtime road hazard look familiar? Yes, under all that melting snow lies the classic motorcycle nemesis - sand and gravel. Especially on urban roads, these slippery hazards can wreak havoc on your traction, and are hard to spot from a distance. Let's go over some facts about these sandy patches that await Saskatchewan riders in the spring.  First off, what does a slippery surface do to our tires? In our Basic Rider Training Course, riders learn that friction is our friend, with the force of friction directly proportionate to the applied load, or weight. The lesson here is more weight = more friction, and more friction = better traction. So, what happens to our bike when a slippery patch ruins our traction? The answer is.... Anything. If we are leaning into a corner and lose that critical friction, there is no telling what the bike will do. At that point, we are trying to avoid abrupt or sudden changes in weight distribution. The best course of action in this situation is to do more of 'nothing' than trying to do 'everything'.  Do nothing... That doesn't sound like very useful advice, does it? As per usual, prevention is the name of the game when it comes to managing dirt and sand. And it may seem obvious, but speed really is the key here. Our friends at SGI lay out this advice for motorcyclists entering corners:
1. Reduce Speed. To make up for the possible lack of friction, reducing speed puts your bike's weight back in balance over both tires. 2. Avoid Sudden Moves. Sudden changes in speed or direction rock that weight back and fourth over the tires, which leads to a skid. 3. Use Both Brakes. Using both brakes in a straight line is the most effective way to stop in the shortest distance. If you are in a turn/corner be very careful when using the front brake, as the wheel could slip right out and cause you to go down. 4. Avoid the Worst Slippery Areas. Easier said than done! Try to find the best pavement, and use it. Certain sections of the road dry out faster than others. Try to stay in the best part of the lane at all times. Some extra facts to help your early season moto-mindset:
Got some sand and gravel tips? What other springtime hazards should motorcyclists be aware of? Help other riders by leaving a comment below!
What defines a legacy? For a company or employee, it may mean creating a top performing product. For a sports team or athlete, it may mean winning championships or MVP awards. Yet for those who dedicate their life to serving their community, defining a legacy means more than the glimmer of their trophy cabinet. Their legacy depends on the people who surround them. A legacy shared by those people who were inspired by their daily, yearly, and sometimes lifetime commitment to enriching the world that they live in. For this reason, these community champions will have their legacy defined by the very people that they served, educated, and inspired.
For Dr. Ronald Ailsby, this legacy has been established both in Saskatchewan and the world beyond by many patients, students, colleagues, and clients. With every person cared for, with every surgery completed, and with every research paper and scientific publication posted, his legacy grew. And now, with this unprecedented donation to the Saskatchewan Safety Council and the Safety Centre of Excellence project, Dr. Ailsby and his family have extended an invitation to the people of Saskatchewan to live a longer, healthier life for decades and perhaps centuries to come. story continues below video With this donation of land for the Safety Centre of Excellence, Dr. Ailsby’s legacy continues to grow in Saskatchewan. This chapter will be defined by those who will benefit most. By the children, the young workers, the rural populations, the seniors, and the new Canadians that the Safety Centre of Excellence will serve. It will be defined by the professionals, the industrialists, the scientists and the engineers who at the Safety Centre of Excellence may find an inspiring home for their injury prevention innovations. This will be a legacy defined by the growing pride of a province of people who make the decision to fight injuries through discovery, innovation, and education, all at the Safety Centre of Excellence. 
This is a legacy like no other. To Dr. Ronald Ailsby and his family, congratulations on this lifetime achievement. The Saskatchewan Safety Council, and in time, the people of Saskatchewan, offer our most gracious thank you for your generous donation to the Safety Centre of Excellence.
Do you want to give back to the motorcycle community and help new riders get started? Have you ever thought of becoming a motorcycle instructor? We are looking for experienced, patient, skilled, and safe riders to join our team of motorcycle safety instructors. Our instructors are community role models who demonstrate safe riding practices every time they are out on their own bikes. If you would like to inspire others to ride safely, please email motorcycle@sasksafety.org. With the support of SaskPower, The Saskatchewan Safety Council presents this nine-part video addressing electrical risks for youth and caregivers. Ohms, amps, circuits and wires. Electricity can seem like such a complex topic. But do we need to be experts in order to know what risks there are in and around our home?
With the help of SaskPower, we don't need to be geniuses when it comes to electrical hazards. If we learn the risks and practice the lessons, we can avoid injuries while teaching youth electrical safety skills that last a lifetime. Now included in our babysitter training program resource materials are these nine scenarios which arm youth and caregivers with knowledge and skills to deal with common electrical risks in and around the home. These scenarios were created with SaskPower's homeowner safety recommendations as a guide. A Caregiver's Guide to Youth and Electricity: 1: In The Dark - Power Outages What happens when the power goes out? Reach for flashlights and cell phones, not candles. Leave breakers or electrical controls alone for now. Call or text an adult, and stay together with others to wait for instructions. 2: Don't Make an Octopus - Overloading Power Outlets With too many connections, extension cords and outlets can overheat, and become a tripping hazard. Unplug any unused devices, and keep cords away from walking paths. 3: Always Unplug - When Malfunctions Occur If something is wrong with an electrical appliance, unplugging it is the first step. If smoke or sparks continue, or if something is on fire, leave the house and call 911. 4: Electricity and Water Don't Mix - Outdoor Electrocution Hazards Children should be supervised at all times when in or around pools. Keeping electrical devices or power cords away from sprinklers, kiddie pools, or any other water is the best practice. 5: Powerlines are Dangerous - Overhead Powerlines Flying a kite or a balloon? Find a wide-open space, far away from overhead lines. Windy days can pull the toy further than expected. 6: Keep Away from Outlets - Indoor Electrocution Hazards Children and toddlers can't help but explore. Cover unused outlets, and always manage plugs-ins yourself. 7: Don't get Zapped - Bathrooms, Bathtubs, and Sinks There is one room where electronics never go, and that is the bathroom. Keep phones, tablets, and other electronics away from all water sources. 8: Stay Away from Trouble - Substations and Powerhouses What are those fenced off areas, with big metal structures and cables? Those are substations and powerhouses, and they are dangerous. If a ball or toy gets lost over the fence, never climb over. Call SaskPower, they will send someone to help. 9: Cords are not Toys - Extension Cords Power cords are never for playing with. Keep unused extension cords unplugged and stored away. Why are so many Saskatchewan workers being hurt due to falls? Workers are receiving fall protection training, but injury statistics are not improving. A common factor in these workplace injuries is a lack of competent supervision. But why would we need competent supervisor training for fall protection? Is fall protection really that complicated?
Well, what are the first things that come to mind? Systems like harnesses, lanyards, ropes, and other equipment seem like the right answer. Supervisors working in fall protection may take the obvious safety precautions, like suggesting PPE for their crew. But can they answer why the equipment is being used, and the particulars around how? Any worker can follow a rule. But do they understand why that rule is in place? A competent supervisor is one that not only recognizes what equipment is necessary, but can also demystify for their crew why the sometimes complicated fall protection systems are needed. Without competent supervision, an employee’s training may fade over time. Bad habits can develop, jeopardizing the entire crew’s safety. A competent supervisor has the knowledge and skills to understand how bad habits can be turned into training opportunities. Industries that require fall protection training are at high risk of injuries. More than following rules, the legislation that is in place needs to be thoroughly understood. A Competent Supervisor will effectively share that understanding with those working under them. After all, how expensive is the cost of training compared to the cost of a workplace incident? Learn more and register for Competent Supervisor training: https://www.sasksafety.org/fall-protection-competent-supervisor.html |
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