Copy 

May 2021 | View Online
AgSafe is inviting members of B.C.’s agricultural and aligned organizations to take part in In The KNOW, a half-day mental health awareness course.

The course is offered at no cost for industry members and is designed to educate individuals about common mental health conditions, signs of mental distress, and how to support someone who is struggling.
 
The intent is to build awareness about mental health conditions, and reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
 
Led by Kim Moffat, a retired cattle rancher and crisis counsellor with a background in psychiatric nursing, In The KNOW has been developed specifically for farmers and evaluated by researchers at the University of Guelph.
 
The course is being offered on ten different dates during May and June, and sessions are limited to 15 participants.
 
Click here for available dates and to register.
Our COVID-19 resources follow WorkSafeBC and provincial health guidelines. If you are currently using our COVID-19 resources you are already in accordance with WSBC requirements.

Click here to see our full library of COVID-19 Safety Planning Resources.
To work as a fruit picker in British Columbia, workers must successfully complete the COVID-19 Awareness course.
 
The purpose of the COVID-19 Awareness course is to ensure that workers coming to B.C. from other parts of Canada are informed and understand the provincial COVID-19 health and safety requirements.

The COVID-19 Awareness course can be completed by workers online and employers can download a presentation copy to provide during their new worker orientation.
With the amount of construction happening on farms, ranches and other operations around B.C., there is a lot of interaction with contractors.

Contractor Liability is an important topic that our safety consultants and advisors often discuss with owners. 

Owners have a responsibility for safety that extends to all workers on their site. Big or small, any job being performed on site must have a Prime Contractor - the person who ensures that all work activities are coordinated and there is a system in place to ensure compliance with the occupational health and safety regulations.

Contractor Resources are available on our website, and your AgSafe representative can assist you in choosing the appropriate resources.
Want to learn more about our safety Certificate of Recognition (COR) program? Click here.
Image Source: GovBC
Government of BC COVID-19 Paid Leave Programs
On April 28, the Province announced a program to cover workers for 3-hour paid leave for COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
 
On May 11, the Province followed up announcing a 3-day paid sick leave program. This program will become permanent continuing on after the pandemic.
 
Learn more about both programs:
Ways to Access AgSafe Resources:
  1. Call or email your regional Safety Consultant or Advisor.
  2. Visit the Industry Resources page on our website to find safety information and templates related to your industry.
  3. If you have further questions call our office at 1-877-533-1789 or email Contact@AgSafeBC.ca.
  4. Use the Safety Ready – Self-Assessment tool help review your Health & Safety system.
Applications are now being accepted for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP).
 
This Canada-wide program provides a wage subsidy to employers who hire Canadian youth ages 15 to 30 for agricultural jobs. The program offers support for 50% of wages to a maximum of $14,000.
 
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funds are available, so employers should apply as soon as possible.
 
More information on the Youth Employment and Skills Program available here.

Here to help.

Contact AgSafe to connect with a Safety Consultant or Advisor in your area.
@AgSafeBC
@AgSafeBC
@AgSafeBC
Website
Copyright © 2021 AgSafe.
All rights reserved.

AgSafe Contact Details
Suite 311, 9440-202 Street,
Langley, BC, V1M 4A6
604-881-6078 | 1-877-533-1789

AgSafe is complying with Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL).
If you would like to change how you receive these emails you can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list