FMC Canada Ltd. commits again to save lives through critical safety training

The CASA BeGrainSafe training unit gives unique hands-on experience to first responders and farmers

MISSISSAUGA, ON –/COMMUNITYWIRE/– A bin full of grain can be dangerous, trapping someone who falls in. Thanks in part to funding from FMC Canada, more firefighters who get an urgent call for help will know how to save a life.

This is the third year that FMC is a major sponsor of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association’s BeGrainSafe program. At the heart of the BeGrainSafe program, is the mobile training and demonstration unit. The unit is a trailer with a built-in bin. Above the bin is an arm that can safely lower a person or mannequin into the grain. Cameras, a PA system, and TV monitors show spectators below how properly trained rescue demonstrators extract the victim before they’re swallowed up by the grain.

“We love supporting this innovative program that provides both awareness of grain handling best practices and proactive training” says Darren Dillenbeck, country manager at FMC. “Workplace safety is a principal priority at FMC and we sought to partner with an organization that supports this same value. After three years as sponsors we’ve heard amazing stories of lives being spared. There’s nothing better than that.”

The trailer will be travelling across the prairie provinces this summer providing training to firefighters. There is also an online training module which is available to anyone interested in learning the basics.

“With help from partners like FMC, we are able to reach more and more farmers and firefighters,” says Robert Gobeil, Agricultural Safety and Health Specialist with CASA. “This support means more firefighters have taken part in this life-saving training and more Canadians are aware of the dangers associated with grain handling and storage.”

FMC has made corporate philanthropy an important component of the company’s culture. In the past year the company has written large cheques to support food banks and mental health initiatives. And in the winter, FMC donated over $77,000 to non-profit organizations in small towns across the West through the Clean Fields, Community Yields program.

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About CASA

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial and territorial initiative and receives additional support from the agricultural and corporate sectors. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca, find us on Facebook or LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @planfarmsafety.

Media Contacts

Robin Anderson
Communications Coordinator CASA/ACSA
877-452-2272 / randerson@casa-acsa.ca

Krista Henry
FMC
Krista.Henry@fmc.com