Smart Safety: Protecting Children on the Farm

Smart Safety: Protecting Children on the Farm

When you think of a farm, you might picture a picturesque landscape, where children are joyfully playing in the open fields and families work harmoniously together. However, the reality is that farms, while offering numerous benefits, also come with a set of unique dangers that must be managed carefully to ensure the safety of children who live or work there.

Farms can be fantastic places for children to grow up, offering opportunities to develop independence, responsibility, and a strong sense of family. They provide valuable learning experiences, allowing children from various backgrounds to understand where their food comes from and appreciate the agricultural industry’s importance. Yet, it’s crucial to remember that a farm is not a playground. The potential hazards are real and managing them requires vigilance and proper planning.

Understanding Farm Hazards

The most significant risk on farms comes from farm machinery and visiting vehicles. Incidents involving tractors, quad bikes (ATVs), and other machinery are the leading causes of fatal accidents involving children on farms. Here are some key areas where safety must be prioritised:

1.Farm Machinery and Vehicles

Tractors: These powerful machines are not designed to carry children. The law prohibits children under 13 from driving or riding on tractors or any self-propelled agricultural machines. Even in the cab, children are at risk of serious accidents, such as falling and being run over. For those aged 13 and older, they can drive tractors on agricultural land with proper training and a certificate of competence.

Quad Bikes/ATVs: These vehicles are not toys. Only those over 16 and properly trained should operate ATVs. Always wear helmets, ensure the vehicle is in good working condition, and never carry passengers.

2.  Falling Objects and Farm Structures

Heavy Objects: Secure all heavy items like old tractor wheels, gates, and machinery. Stacks of hay or straw should not be used for play; they can collapse or catch fire. Ensure grain bins and intake pits are off-limits.

Safe Storage: Ladders should be stored where children cannot access them, and hay/straw stacks should be stable.

3. Farm Animals

Animals can pose significant risks, particularly during calving and lambing seasons. Even animals that seem gentle can become aggressive, especially when protecting their young. Ensure that children and pets, such as dogs, stay away from potentially dangerous animals.

4. Slurry Tanks and Lagoons

Slurry tanks and lagoons are extremely hazardous. Always secure and cover them when not in use. Ensure that all safety measures are in place, such as removing ladders and covering exposed areas.

5. Infectious Diseases and Harmful Substances

Livestock can carry diseases that may be transmitted to humans. Always wash hands thoroughly after touching animals. Additionally, keep chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers, and veterinary medicines locked away and out of reach.

 

Creating a Safe Environment

To protect children on a farm, consider the following:

• Secure Play Areas: Designate a safe, fenced area for children to play, ideally close to the home or farmhouse for easy supervision.
• Supervision: Always keep a close eye on children. Ensure that they are not in or around dangerous areas, especially during busy farming periods.
• High Visibility: Equip children with high-visibility clothing to make them more noticeable around machinery and vehicles.
• Training and Guidelines: Ensure all safety guidelines are followed, including proper use of equipment and machinery.

Assessing Your Farm’s Safety

Ask yourself the following questions to ensure your farm is a safe environment for children:

• Do you have a secure play area for young children?
• Are you aware of where your children are and what they are doing at all times?
• Can you ensure full supervision when children are near the farm?
• Are hazardous areas, like slurry tanks, securely fenced?
• Are all chemicals and harmful substances locked away?

By addressing these questions and implementing safety measures, you can help ensure that your farm remains a wonderful place for children to grow up, while minimising the risks associated with farm life.

Farms may be bustling with activity and rich in learning experiences, but it’s essential to prioritise safety and protect our most valuable assets—our children.

Produced using material from the Farm Safety Foundation.