Farms can be wonderful places for children to grow up, where independence and responsibility are fostered and family relationships are strengthened. They are also a fantastic source of learning where organised visits can inform and inspire children from all backgrounds to learn about where their food comes from and how the industry is vital to everyday life.
However, the sad fact is that farms are the only workplace where children continue to die, in what is always a horrific tragedy for families and heart-breaking for their communities.
Farms and farmyards are not playgrounds. They are hazardous.
Children should not be allowed in the farm work place (and for young children they should enjoy outdoor space in a secure fenced area).
Any access to the work area by children under 16, for example for education, or knowledge experience, should be planned and fully supervised by an adult not engaged in any work activity.
Children under the age of 13 years are specifically prohibited from driving or riding on any agricultural machine.
Moving vehicles
The world of agriculture has changed and we all need to keep up. Keeping our children safe and sound has to be a priority for all of us and it is all the more important when it comes to farm transport.
Over the years, farm machines have got bigger and more powerful. The natural curiosity of children and their fascination for working machines tends to draw them towards busy work areas. But children can be hard to see and they are in great danger of being run over by moving machines – especially at busy times, such as during silage making, grain harvesting and slurry spreading.
They also need to be kept away from other vehicles which may visit the farm such as milk tankers or lorries delivering feed.
DO
Keep people including children away from vehicles and areas where there are vehicles moving.
Make sure your vehicles have good all-round visibility, check and clean mirrors and windows daily.
Ensure all workers and those visiting the farm wear High Vis jacket so they can see and be seen.
Provide a safe and secure play area.
Keep young children off the farm.
Tractors
Tractors are not designed to carry children.
The law states that no child under 13 years old may drive or ride on tractors or any other self-propelled machine used in agriculture.
Do not be fooled into thinking that children are safe in the cab of a tractor – they are not. Falling from tractors and then being run over is a common cause of fatal accidents.
Training – Children aged 13 and over can, with appropriate permission and supervision, drive an appropriate tractor on agricultural land provided they hold a nationally recognised certificate of competence in the safe driving and operation of tractors. The certificate of competence can be obtained by completing a relevant course and then demonstrating their understanding..
DO NOT
Allow children to ride in the cab of a tractor.
Permit any child under 13 years of age and without the proper training and supervision, to drive a tractor.
Quads and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs)
A farm quad bike is not a toy.
Many children have been involved in serious and fatal accidents caused by All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) and quads. Only properly trained people, usually over 16 years old), should be allowed to operate ATVs. They must wear the correct helmet, the machine must be in full working condition and they must be adequately supervised. Passengers must never be carried on quad bikes.
DO
Remember children under 16 must not drive, operate, or help to operate ATVs.
Wear a helmet and get and complete training.
Falls and falling objects
The best way of protecting children from falls and falling objects is to keep them away from the farm unless very closely supervised by someone not involved in farm work.
Heavy objects such as spare tractor wheels, old gates and old machinery can fall on people including children so store them flat and secure. secure. Put ladders away after use.
DO
Store ladders away after use.
Stop anyone from climbing bale stacks. Use machines to bring bales down.
Protect open edges and pits so no one can fall. Keep children away.
Farm animals
Most people realise that bulls and rams are dangerous but female animals with their young can be very protective. Animals can see children as a threat.
Children who come close to a playful cow, sheep, pig or horse will be seriously injured.
DO
Fully supervise children when they are visiting the farm to see the animals. At busy times such as calving and lambing season, you will not be able to fully supervise your children so just keep them away.
Infectious diseases
Even apparently healthy livestock can carry disease which can be passed on to humans – children are more vulnerable to the effects of these illnesses and can have very serious organ failure. . Keep children away from the farm. If children are in contact with animals, their bedding or areas where there is for example slurry, dung, manure always make sure they wash their hands with soap, change dirty clothing and clean their shoes/boots.
Harmful substances
It may appear obvious but lock away all harmful, poisonous substances. Chemicals, pesticides, fertilisers, Animal medicines, dosing guns and syringes must be put away in a safe secure place and people including children shouldn’t have access.
Slurry tanks and lagoons
Children will always try to get into places which are apparently inaccessible. Fence off slurry tanks/pits/lagoons. Keep pits securely covered when not in use. Make sure tank covers are always in place and, if slats are removed, cover exposed areas of the tank beside the pump/mixer to stop anything falling in. Remove any ladders or store them out of reach.
Slurry gases are very poisonous. Never put yourself in danger when mixing slurry, keep everyone away.
A safe play area
If young children live on, play on, or visit a working farm yard it is essential that an area is set aside to allow them to play safely and to protect them from the many dangers. It should be a secure area with upright fencing to prevent children climbing out. It should also be close to home or farm house so they can be easily supervised.
In short, farms are busy working areas, full of serious hazards, so KEEP CHILDREN AWAY.
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