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Farms are bustling hubs of activity that can be educational and fun for children. However, they also pose significant safety risks.
From heavy machinery to unpredictable animals, the potential dangers are numerous. It is essential for parents, guardians, and farm operators to be proactive in implementing safety measures to protect children.
Let’s explore key safety tips to ensure children remain safe while enjoying the farm.
Approximately 115 children die in agricultural-related incidents every year, and nearly 12,000 experience a non-fatal injury, according to The National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH). The primary causes are heavy equipment operation, use of motor vehicles (i.e. ATVs), and drownings.
The most effective way to ensure children's safety on the farm is through constant supervision. Adults should always keep an eye on children, especially in areas with machinery, animals, or other potential hazards. Designate specific individuals responsible for supervising children during different times of the day.
Educate children about the various dangers present on the farm so they clearly understand the risks and dangers. Think about having interactive safety training sessions to help children recognize the importance of following rules and staying alert. Establish clear boundaries between work zones and play areas.
Remember – adults need something important repeated seven times in order to retain it. Children need even more repetition!
Encourage children to:
ALWAYS tell an adult where they are going and what they will be doing.
STOP any activities if they feel unsafe and ask an adult if they are unsure whether or not something is safe.
Lock up all machinery and tools when not in use to prevent curious children from accidentally starting or tampering with equipment. Ensure that keys are stored in a secure location inaccessible to children.
Consider conducting regular safety demonstrations to show children how machinery works and explain the dangers; this helps demystify the equipment and reinforces why it is off-limits. Make sure to engage your children by encouraging them to ask questions.
Only allow children to ride ATVs that are appropriate for their age, size, and experience level. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.
Enforce speed limits to ensure safe riding conditions. ATVs should be driven at a speed suitable for the terrain and rider’s skill level.
Require children to wear helmets, goggles, gloves, and other protective gear at all times.
Provide proper training on ATV operation and safety rules.
Consider enrolling children in a certified ATV safety course.
Supervise children when they are riding ATVs.
Designate specific areas for ATV use, away from livestock, machinery, and other farm operations.
Regularly check and maintain ATVs to ensure they are in safe working condition.
Closely supervise children around motor vehicles. Never allow them to operate or ride on farm vehicles unsupervised.
Require a seat belt at all times.
Keep keys out of reach and vehicles locked when not in use.
Establish designated areas for motor vehicle operation and ensure children are aware of these boundaries.
Provide safety training for children to understand the dangers of moving vehicles and proper behavior around them.
Create safe play areas away from paths used by motor vehicles. Ensure these areas are well-marked and, if possible, fenced.
By implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and injuries involving ATVs and motor vehicles on the farm.
Never leave children unattended near bodies of water. Even shallow water can pose a significant risk to young children. If a swimming area is available, ensure children know how to swim and always supervise them while they are in the water. If possible, install fences or barriers around ponds, wells, and other water sources to prevent accidental drownings.
Teach children how to recognize signs of stress or aggression in animals; understanding these signs can help prevent dangerous interactions. Emphasize the importance of approaching animals calmly and slowly. Always supervise children when they are near animals. Even seemingly docile animals can behave unpredictably, especially around unfamiliar individuals or in stressful situations. Ensure that all animal enclosures are secure and that children cannot accidentally enter them. Use sturdy fencing and gates with child-proof latches.
Teach children to recognize signs of extreme weather and know where to seek shelter. Regularly monitor weather reports and have a plan in place for severe conditions. Encourage children to wear hats, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing to protect against sunburn and heatstroke, especially during the summer months.
Educate children about the dangers posed by certain insects and wildlife. Teach them to avoid contact with unknown animals and report sightings to an adult.
Store all chemicals in a locked, secure location out of reach of children. This includes pesticides, fertilizers, and cleaning agents. Clearly label all chemicals with hazard symbols and usage instructions. Educate children about the meaning of these symbols and the importance of not touching or ingesting unknown substances.
Protect children's eyes, ears, and hands with the appropriate safety gear for the task. Children should not be exposed to environments, conditions, or tasks that require a respirator.
By following these safety tips, farms can become safer environments for children to explore, learn, work, and enjoy. Implementing these measures requires a proactive approach, but the benefits in terms of safety and peace of mind are invaluable.
As an additional resource, The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety have published a helpful Child/Youth Agricultural Safety checklist.
National Center for Farmworker Health, Inc. Child Labor in Agriculture. https://www.ncfh.org/child-labor-fact-sheet.html#:~:text=Every%20year%2C%20approximately%20115%20children,experience%20a%20non%2Dfatal%20injury.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Hazardous Communication - https://www.osha.gov/hazcom
National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety. (n.d.). "Childhood Agricultural Safety." Retrieved from https://www.marshfieldresearch.org/nfmc
Farm Safety for Just Kids. (NASD). "Farm Safety Tips." Retrieved from https://nasdonline.org/7177/o000139/farm-safety-for-just-kids.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). "Childhood Agricultural Injury Prevention Initiative." https://archive.cdc.gov/#/details?url=https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/childag/default.html
National Ag Safety Database (NASD). (n.d.). "Keeping Kids Safe on the Farm." Retrieved from https://www.nasdonline.org/
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