Here’s a viewpoint from Arthur Ward, president and CEO of Pattison Agriculture, based in Swift Current, Sask., on how their dealership is making a commitment to safety. Stay tuned for a feature about the dealership’s safety initiatives, including its Mission Zero Charter.

Mission: Zero was launched in May 2008 as an initiative of WorkSafe Saskatchewan, the partnership between the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, in response to Saskatchewan having the second worst workplace injury rate in Canada.

Mission: Zero is a call to action and goal for employers and companies to achieve zero workplace injuries zero fatalities, and zero suffering by families.

Comments from Art Ward:

As an industry, in many ways we are still in the dark ages when it comes to safety. Our organization has a keen focus on safety and changing our culture and that of our customers.

For several years now, we have partnered with MSA (Motor Safety Assn.) to help us improve our safety processes. They are an excellent resource in Canada for developing a program, providing resources and auditing services.

Until recently, our company safety officer was considered a part time role that was shared among a couple of individuals within our organization. Approximately 1 year ago, we hired a true safety professional to drive this initiative. Last May, I signed the Mission Zero Charter for the province of Saskatchewan on behalf of Pattison Agriculture Limited. It was important to show the significance of this initiative to our organization and our commitment.

We have seen our WCB claims drop dramatically and will soon start to see the benefits in our premiums. We are also starting to see more and more of our customers developing their own safety programs on the farm. High vis coveralls, safety glasses and hearing protection are becoming more and more evident on the farms we visit.

It is a journey we are on as a company to reach our goal of Mission Zero.

Rural Lifestyle Dealer is placing a special focus on developing safety articles this year. Go to www.RuralLifestyleDealer.com/SafetyResources to access the archive of safety information.