Health and Safety Authority figures tell us that sadly 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents in the past 10 years, writes Teagasc.
Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved.
Children on the farm
For most children, the farm is seen as a place where they love to explore and play. But we must remember, it is a workplace with many hidden dangers.
Childhood fatalities
Over 80% of childhood deaths on farms had a farm vehicle or a machine involved. In the past 10 years, 21 children lost their lives as a result of farm accidents.
Safe play area
A safe play area must be provided for children. When children visit the farm they should always have adult supervision and an opportunity should never be missed to explain the dangers on the farm to children.
Access to slurry pits or tanks
Hazardous areas such as slurry pits should be fenced off and post signs alerting all to the dangers within. An unsupervised child in a farmyard will find these hazardous locations very interesting.
Climbing on bales.
To a child, a shed full of hay bales screams fun! In reality, accidents such as falls, crushing or suffocation involving hay bales, are all too common.
Tractors
Don’t give children the habit of ‘going for a spin’. Under 7s are, under the Children in Agriculture Code of Practice, are not allowed in the cab of a tractor or near other farm machinery – even with a passenger seat installed.
Animals
Animals guarding their young can be aggressive and unpredictable. Keep children at a safe distance from livestock at all times!
Remember
Children don’t understand danger. Talk to them today about safety on the farm.
Resources
Teagasc have a wide range of farm safety themed resources for children which are available on the Teagasc website. These can help children explore the world of farm safety in the comfort of their own homes.
The following resources are available to access from the Teagasc website
- Staying safe on the farm with Jessy helps children learn about farm safety with Jessy the dog and her three puppies. Stay Safe on the Farm with Jessy
- Teagasc and Agrikids produce regular farm safety themed newsletters for children. These can be viewed at https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/?type=newsletter&topic=corporate%2Fhead%20office%3Ehuman%20resources
- Teagasc work closely with The Health and Safety Authority to assist in the production of farm safety video content which can be accessed here
- The HSA has produced free online courses on the topic of safe farming that children, young adults and farmers would find very informative, Follow the link to find out more here
