REGINA — Crop sprayers in Saskatchewan are shocked after three collisions, including one that killed a 31-year-old man last week, but say it is a risk that comes with the job.
“It’s very unfortunate that these things have happened,” said Paul O’Carroll, president of the Saskatchewan Aerial Applicators Association (SAAA).
O’Carroll said the number of crashes seen last week is unusual.
“It’s just a coincidence,” he explained. “It’s a busy time of the year and the season is just about over. It’s a short season that we spray for. It’s a four month season in the summer months.”
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The first collision happened on August 13 near Quill Lake. According to the Transportation Safety Board, the engine lost power during takeoff, but the pilot suffered minor injuries. Then two crop sprayers crashed on August 16 – the first near Aylsham when the pilot lost track of the ground while flying into the sun. He was not injured.
Then around mid-morning a crop sprayer crashed near Rose Valley. The pilot was killed. Investigators determined the engine lost power.
To fly a crop sprayer pilots first need a commercial license, then a two month course on agricultural flying. They are taught how to stay low to the ground and how to deal with chemicals and maintenance.
The province says maintenance is the key when it comes to any work on the farm and it has an online safety program with tips on avoiding injuries.
“Plan your work and make sure you’re planning your rest cycle as well,” said Kim Meyer, the manager of safety operations south for the ministry of labour relations and workplace safety. “People get very tired. This is a very busy time of year and that’s when incidents can happen as well, so of course, try to get sleep and try to maintain your work in that sense.”
Another tip from the province is to make sure there is constant communication, especially when working alone.
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