Spring took her sweet time getting here, but it would seem she is finally here, helping to begin a new season of growing in the Weyburn region, for those who make their living in agriculture, and those who enjoy tending their yards and gardens.
This also means the arrival of the season for fishing, swimming, biking, camping, outdoor sports of all kinds — in other words, this is the time of year to get outside and enjoy life, fresh air as well as for those who work outdoors.
For our producers, this means getting the seeders and tractors out in the fields to begin the process of seeding and fertilizing their crops for the coming growing season, and this means long hours behind the tractor wheel as they work hard to get the crops planted, and then hope for the best for weather and growing conditions conducive to producing a good crop.
Safety is of paramount concern as farmers are out on the land putting in long hours, and they need to make sure they don’t get over-tired and lose the alertness they need to ensure they don’t hurt themselves, their equipment or others on the farm.
For motorists, they need to be aware of large equipment moving on the roads and highways at times, when it’s necessary for them to be moved to the fields for seeding or fertilizing.
Oil workers know all about the many requirements for safety on the job, and some spend the time when road bans are on getting tuned up on safety training, which is a very good focus to have before getting back on the rigs after road ban season is over.
When heading out on the bike, or to go walking or running, or camping and fishing, or whatever else one might want to do outdoors, it is equally important to stay alert and aware of any hazards they may encounter along the way.
Staying safe is important in town as well as out at the campground or in the fields and on the farms, including for those involved in the many sports that can be played outside.
Another focus of safety one might not think of is for one’s mental state as well.
Mental Health Week will be marked across Canada on May 7-13, and while people are out and about for work, sports or leisure, keeping a positive attitude is always helpful.
When there are times when things get hard to take or depression sets in, or other mental health issues arise, it’s good to talk about these things with a loved one, a friend or a trusted professional.
This is how one can stay safe both in physical activity, and in one’s mental health, and these can work hand-in-hand to help one be a well-rounded individual and able to help out others who need a friend or a helping hand, mentally or physically.
