Calgary (Rural Roots Canada) – The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA) is raising grain safety concerns following a recent episode of the CTV program ‘The Amazing Race Canada‘.

The episode in question featured a “switchback” task that required competitors to dig through grain trailers full of oats in search of a hidden object.

In a release, CASA says there are considerable safety risks associated with such tasks, considering the dangers of grain entrapment. Grain entrapment, also called grain engulfment, occurs when a person becomes submerged in grain and can’t free themselves without assistance. Between 2011 and 2020, there have been 27 deaths in Canada due to asphyxiation in grain or soil, including four children from the Prairies. CASA acknowledges that while the grain was not moving in the episode and posed less risk, it’s concerned about the optics and safety implications of depicting such a high-risk activity.

“We acknowledge that reality television aims to entertain, but it is crucial that such portrayals do not inadvertently glamorize or normalize serious risks,” said Andrea Lear, CASA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We urge media producers to consult with safety experts and consider the real-life consequences of their depicted tasks.”

Read the full CASA news release here.

In a statement to Rural Roots Canada, a spokesperson for Bell Media, the parent company of CTV, says the safety of its competitors and crew is a top priority and that extensive measures are taken to ensure a safe environment for all.

“Throughout the series, the competitors face rigorous challenges that often involve activities that are not available or accessible to the general public. To ensure optimal safety for everyone involved, challenges go through rounds of testing prior to filming and are completed by the Racers in controlled environments,” reads the statement. “As we are currently in our milestone 10th season of The Amazing Race Canada, this particular challenge was a homage to a lentil search challenge that appeared during our inaugural season, where safety was also paramount.”

The statement adds that CTV and Insight Productions are taking the concerns raised by CASA seriously, and have connected with CASA to outline its safety protocols and procedures.

For years, CASA has actively been raising awareness about the danger of grain handling. It has trained firefighters from across Canada in the safe extraction of people trapped by grain through its BeGrainSafe program, which has led to successful rescues. It’s BeGrainSafe Week happens August 12-18.

Full Bell Media Statement 

“The safety of our competitors and crew is the top priority for CTV and Insight Productions, and we take extensive measures to ensure a safe environment for everyone throughout filming. This includes, but is not limited to, testing, safety and security procedures that span physical and mental health, and ensuring emergency response protocols are always in place.

Throughout the series the competitors face rigorous challenges that often involve activities that are not available or accessible to the general public. To ensure optimal safety for everyone involved, challenges go through rounds of testing prior to filming and are completed by the Racers in controlled environments.  

As we are currently in our milestone 10^th season of THE AMAZING RACE CANADA, this particular challenge was a homage to a lentil search challenge that appeared during our inaugural season, where safety was also paramount.

We take the concerns raised by the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association seriously, and we have connected with the CASA to outline our safety protocols and procedures.”

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