Safety on the Farm
How We Work!
Our approach is relationship-first. We don’t show up with a checklist and lecture. We listen, walk the site, understand your operation, and build systems that fit the way you work.We offer:
- On-site support across Saskatchewan
- Remote support for policy updates, digital reporting systems, and seasonal question handling
- Flexible pacing based on season and workload
- Clear communication and steady guidance
- No bureaucracy. No one-size-fits-all templates. Just practical solutions and ongoing support.
Why Safety Matters in Agriculture
Agriculture is one of the most dynamic work environments in Saskatchewan. Hazards shift daily: weather changes, seasonal workload increases, new staff rotate in, and equipment is constantly moving.
Common challenges we help farms manage include:
- Heavy machinery and mobile equipment (tractors, combines, sprayers, augers, loaders)
- Grain bins, silos, pits, manure systems and other confined spaces
- Fertilizer, fuels and pesticide handling
- Livestock handling risks
- Seasonal and temporary labour
- Contractor management during peak seasons
- Documentation and compliance requirements under Saskatchewan OH&S
The goal isn’t to slow your operation down — it’s to reduce preventable injuries, keep workers confident, minimize downtime, and protect the long-term stability of the operation.
Our Agriculture Safety Services
We tailor our approach to the size and nature of your farm or agribusiness. Whether you need one-time support or ongoing seasonal assistance, we walk with you step-by-step.
- Equipment & Machinery Safety
We develop clear, easy-to-follow operating procedures and training for:
- Tractors, skid steers, combines, and sprayers
- PTOs, augers, conveyors and other mechanical equipment
- Loader attachments and powered implements
We also help with:
- Daily and seasonal inspection checklists
- Lockout/tagout methods suitable for farm settings
- Operator competency sign-offs
The result:
- Safer operation, less equipment damage, and fewer preventable injuries.
- Grain Bin & Confined Space Safety
We help with:
- Confined space hazard identification
- Entry and rescue planning
- Gas monitoring methods and equipment
- Training workers and supervisors
- Emergency response preparation
This is often one of the most overlooked — and highest risk — areas on the farm. We make it clear, manageable, and practical.
- Chemical & Pesticide Handling
Fertilizers, fuels, pesticides, herbicides, and livestock medications all require safe handling and storage.
We provide:
- WHMIS/TDG training
- SDS management systems that are easy to maintain
- Guidance on storage layout and labeling
- Spill response procedures and kits
- Ventilation and PPE recommendations
We help simplify compliance, so everyone knows what they’re working with and how to work with it safely.
- Livestock, Barn & Yard Safety
Livestock handling requires attention to movement, behaviour, footing, equipment, and worker communication.
Support may include:
- Worker orientation for new or seasonal staff
- Safe handling procedures for cattle, horses, pigs, etc.
- Gate and chute setup considerations
- Feedlot and barn hazard assessments
We help reduce crush injuries, kicks, slips, and stress — for both people and animals.
- Seasonal Labour & Remote Work Support
During planting/harvest, many operations bring on temporary labour, family help, or contractors.
- Everyone receives consistent orientation
- Expectations are clear
- Documentation is simple and fast
- Field staff can record safety activities digitally (siteDOCS, mobile apps)
This prevents avoidable incidents when speed and fatigue are in play.
- Program Review, Gap Analysis & Full Safety Program Build
If your safety system is informal, outdated, or scattered, we can:
- Review what currently exists
- Identify what’s missing or unclear
- Build new policies, practices, documentation, signage, and training
- Set up a simple system for ongoing oversight
This can be done gradually or as one complete build-out depending on your schedule.
Why Work With Thiessen Safety Consulting?
- Saskatchewan-based and deeply familiar with farm and rural work environments
- Over 50 years of combined field, training, equipment and outdoor experience
- Extensive work with high-risk and remote environments
- A focus on clear communication and realistic implementation
- Ability to support safety, HR, onboarding, and digital documentation systems all in one place
- We meet people where they are — whether safety systems are brand new or already well-developed
- Our clients often tell us our process is refreshingly straightforward.
“We had equipment running across multiple fields, seasonal staff starting every few weeks, and no consistent way to train or orient people. Thiessen Safety Consulting walked the operation with us, built the training tools, helped us organize documentation, and supported us through our busiest season. The whole operation runs smoother now.”
FAQ's
Do small or family-run farms need formal safety programs?
Yes — if you have workers, contractors or seasonal labour, you have legal obligations. But the system can be simple and practical.
Are grain bins considered confined spaces?
In most cases, yes. We help determine which spaces fall under regulations and how to manage them safely.
Can training happen on-site?
Yes. We come to you. We can also provide refresher training remotely during busy seasons.
Can documentation be digital?
Yes — we frequently help farms set up digital safety systems that work on mobile devices and don’t slow anyone down.
