Children and Farm Safety

Promoting Safety for Rural Children

Apr 26, 2009 Kimberley Powell

Too often, both children and parents consider the entire farm a play space. Over the past decade, 55 children under age 16 died in Ontario farm accidents. The deaths of these youngsters represented just under 20 percent of all farm workplace fatalities (Canadian Standards Association, 2008).

12 to 15 Year Olds are Most Likely to be Hurt on Farms When Operating Machinery

Young children can fall from tractors operated by an adult, often when an operator starts a machine without knowing the child is in the area. Never let children ride on farm tractors.

Flowing grain in bins and wagons can drag an unsuspecting victim down like quicksand. Make grain bins and work areas off-limits to children.

Even good-tempered animals can become dangerous. Cattle can knock down and trample a toddler without noticing the child is even there. A calm animal can become dangerous if it or its offspring feel threatened. Keep children away from animals, especially in livestock-handling areas.

Farm Injury Prevention Tips

North American Guidelines for Children's Agricultural Tasks have been developed a list to assist adults in assigning farm jobs to children 7-16 years of age living or working on farms.

• Provide a safe, protected area for children to play on a farm such as a fenced yard.

• Operators of tractors and other farm machinery should be at least 16 years old and have proper training.

• No one should ride in the back of a pick-up truck.

• Make sure that children do not play on or near farm machinery, whether it is operating or not. Always use the parking brake and remove the keys from the ignition when the machinery is stopped.

• To prevent clothing and hair from catching in machinery, wear snug fitting clothing and tie back long hair.

• Store farm equipment such as bailers, rakes and small tools in a locked shed when not in use.

• Farm animals can behave unpredictably. Teach children to treat livestock with respect and avoid startling them.

• Wear an approved helmet when working around and riding horses.

• Accompany and closely supervise children when they enter animal pens.

• Keep fire extinguishers within reach on all farm machinery and in all buildings.

• Store farm chemicals in their original containers, in a locked cabinet and out of the reach of children.

• Teach children to recognize and avoid containers that have warning symbols for corrosive, flammable, explosive and poisonous substances.

• Properly dispose of empty chemical containers.

• Store firearms in a locked storage case. Ensure they are stored unloaded and have the safety clips on.

• Lock ammunition in a separate location from firearms.

• Teach children the dangers of firearms. Anyone handling firearms should receive training from a certified instructor.

Adults need to remember that all children are different. Children of the same age may vary on whether they are ready for the challenges involved in carrying out a particular job.

Being aware of hazards, taking precautions, supervising children and giving them age appropriate chores can reduce the risk of injuries on the farm. The fact remains that the majority of the under-5 fatalities happened precisely because adults had lost track of a child's whereabouts. Young children simply have to be supervised by adults at all times.