When it comes to farming, safety is a serious issue.

Sandra Vos, president of the Brant Federation of Agriculture, says farmers should be aware of the specific dangers agriculture workers face.

"Farming can be an incredibly dangerous occupation," Vos said. "Especially if you're working by yourself."

March 14 to 20 is Canadian Agricultural Safety Week. The numbers show there is a need for awareness about the potential hazards of working on a farm. 

There were 1,769 agricultural fatalities in Canada from 1990 to 2005, an average of about 110 deaths each year. Of those, 1,255 were machine-related, with tractor accidents causing the most fatalities, a total of 686.

Steve Zronik, with the Ontario Farm Safety Association, said location plays a major role in handling on-farm injuries.

"Response times for medical aid if an injury occurs is a huge issue," Zronik said. "One of the biggest things is the need on-farm for someone who is trained in first aid."

According to statistics provided by St. John's Ambulance, most farms are at least 30 minutes away from medical help.

Zronik said death and injury rates for the agriculture sector have improved substantially as awareness has grown.

Locally, the Brant County Farm Safety Association is working to teach farm safety to younger generations.

"We're trying very hard to educate the children," said Ellan Riddle, association secretary. "You start with the children and they become educated adults."

A highlight of the group's education initiatives for youth is its May safety day at the Burford Fairgrounds. Schools are invited to attend for a day of education about bike, rollerblade, lawn mower, tractor and ATV safety.

"We're trying to get to the children who live in the country, who live on farms," Riddle said. 

St. John's Ambulance is encouraging farmers and farm workers to get trained in first aid. To book a first aid class or get more information about a "First Aid on the Farm" program, which offers farm-specific first aid training, visit www.sja.ca/on.