April 22, 2004

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Hazards Are Plentiful on the Farm if Precautions Are Not Taken

Many rural children will be exposed to countless risks and hazards as they roam the farm this summer, according to George Maher, North Dakota State University Extension Service agriculture safety specialist. “Hazardous areas, such as farm machinery and some buildings are not safe for children to play in. Playing around dangerous farm machinery can result in children being seriously injured. Farm machinery has many sharp edges and places that are not safe for climbing. Children should not use machinery as a play toy.”

Visiting children as well as children who live on the farm are also subject to injury from livestock, especially large-animal livestock Livestock production areas can be dangerous, if children are not aware of the hazards.

To avoid injury, children should be supervised. “Children believe they are invincible, but they're not,” Maher says. “Managing children will help keep them safe and out of danger; it isn’t easy, but it is necessary.” Between 1991 and 1996 there were 320 North Dakota children injured while playing with animals or farm machinery. Of these injuries, 252 happened to children 10 years of age and younger.

"Farming is the only industry where children under 16 years of age are fatally injured in occupational accidents – don’t let or expect your child to do the work of an adult," says Jack Burke, with the National Safety Council.

Unnecessary risk can be reduced or even eliminated by managing the farmstead for safety. Some ideas that may work for you are listed below:

• Take a safety tour of the farm with the children. Show them where they are not allowed to play and give reasons why. Point out the dangers.
• Confine youngsters to a fenced, safe play area that is connected to the house.
• When adults can’t be around, place a responsible older child in charge of the youngsters. Make sure the older child is mature enough to handle difficult situations.
• Neighboring farm families can sometimes share some of the supervisory responsibilities. If possible, establish a cooperative rural child care program.
• Request the help of grandparents or in laws who are willing to supervise the youngsters.

Farm machinery has one seat that is for the driver only. Children should not be allowed to ride along on farm equipment. “If the child should fall from the tractor, it is not likely that the machinery could be stopped in time to prevent a disaster, Maher says. “The tractor or combine is no place to baby-sit. Follow the rule of no riders on farm machinery and let the children enjoy being children instead of hospital patients.”

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Source: George Maher, (701) 231-8288, george.maher@ndsu.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu

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North Dakota State University
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