The farm can be a great place to live, but it is not without its dangers. The farm is unique because it is both a working and living environment and that is a huge factor in the large number of injuries and death each year. These tragic accidents happen to farmers and their family members. The natural characteristics of children, such as curiosity, small size and strength, along with lack of skill and knowledge, put children working, living or visiting the farm at risk. As a result, parents and caregiver of children on the farm are responsible for providing a safe environment. Here are just a few ideas of how to make the farm a safer place for children:

• Provide a safe play area
• Be a good role model
• Provide proper childcare when you are working on the farm
• Identify what your children are capable of doing at certain age levels
• Set limits and follow through with consequences if rules are broken

Here are some other good ideas of how to handle various hazards that exist on the farm:

• Animals:  Many animals give visual signs that they can be dangerous. By categorizing animals by species, gender, age and visual warning signals, the children will begin to understand more clearly. It is important to note that some of these signs may be different with various species and may not always be accurate. Wild animals such as skunks, raccoons and opossums are often present on farms. Children need to understand the importance of staying away from wild animals.
• ATV’s:  ATV’s have become very popular for use on the farm as both a utility vehicle and for recreational use. Too many incidents occur each year where people are hurt and killed by being thrown from an ATV. The incident rate among young operators is disproportionately high. It is essential that those using ATV’s are mentally and physically mature enough to ride and have the taken proper training in safe operation.
• Tractors:  Children should stay away from operating farm tractors. Every year children die as a result of being run over by tractors. Many tractors are very large and can be noisy. The size and sound level may prevent the operator from seeing someone close to the tractor. The tractor has many blind spots directly in front and back of the tires.
• Combines:  Combines are very large and powerful. Many moving parts are working within the combine and these moving parts should not be exposed to possible body contact. If the protective shielding is damaged or removed, the hazards are exposed. You can be pulled into the machine quickly before you can react. This could be life threatening. Also, extra riders on the combine can distract the driver which could put both the rider and the driver at risk. The rider could bump levers or buttons and cause an accident.
• Augers:  Augers are corkscrew-like mechanisms that are used to move grain from one location to another. They are powered by power-take-offs (PTO) attached to the back of a tractor or generator. The turning shaft moves the grain by forcing it along a tube or trough into another storage unit. The power that is used to turn the shaft is great and can entangle, cut and even sever body parts if caught. Do not climb on augers.
• Grain:  Many farms produce grain as a source of income. Grain such as corn, soybeans, flax, wheat, etc. are transported from one location to another in trucks. The grain is unloaded from the bottom of the truck through a door when it is opened. The opened door allows the grain to flow out, due to gravitational pull. If someone were to get caught in the unloading grain, they will become quickly entrapped and can not get out. The pull is so great that they are pulled under the grain and can die from suffocation. This can also happen in grain bins. Due to the smaller size of children, they can become trapped at a faster rate than adults.
• Fire:  Fire deaths are 36% higher in rural areas than non-rural areas. Rural fire deaths tend to affect a larger portion of the young populations than non-rural fire deaths. Fires can be started by a variety of sources that are found on the farm. Machinery that can overheat, fuels that operate machinery, and electricity are examples of fire starting sources. Hay put away too wet can also heat up when stored and start a fire. Additionally, farms have an abundance of fire sources such as straw/hay, dust grain, and flammable chemicals. Children should never play on or near combustible sources.

Source: Farm Safety 4 Just Kids
For great Farm Safety Information check out:  www.fs4jk.org