Farming traditions run deep in the state of Wisconsin and farm safety is a priority for farmers. We also believe in protecting the families and children in our farming communities. For an adventurous or curious child, a farm looks like a giant playground. There are barns to play in, animals to visit and tractors to climb. But for unsupervised children, a farm can pose serious risks.
tips for ensuring kids and teen safety on the farm:
1. Create a safe play area
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety provides this advice when choosing a location to create a safe play area for children on your farm:
- Designate a play area with boundaries – such as a fence, gate or shrubs that is a barrier that separates the children from farm animals.
- Choose a location away from open water, traffic, hazards such as machinery or unstable structures, and loud noises.
- Provide adequate shade from the sun as well as shelter from wind and dust.
- Choose a location that is within sight and sound of a responsible adult.
- Be sure there are first aid supplies, hand washing and bathroom facilities nearby.
- Keep the area easily and regularly maintained with grass mowing and snow removal.
- Select a location where there is minimal risk of snakes, fire ants and other critters.
2. Do not enter a flowing grain bin
Nearly one third of those who become trapped in a grain bin are under the age of 18. It’s easy to underestimate the enormous force behind the bin — it works like quicksand that can bury a person in seconds.
The best ways to prevent this deadly situation is to never enter bins while grains are being loaded or unloaded and always wait until the dust clears so you can clearly see your footing before entering. Communicate this to children and teens and make sure they firmly understand the consequences.
3. Know the P.A.S.S method
Teach everyone in your family how to use a fire extinguisher using the P.A.S.S. method. Doing so can prevent devastating losses and tragedies.
P.A.S.S. Method
- P – Pull the pin of the extinguisher
- A – Aim low
- S – Squeeze the handle
- S – Sweep from side to side
4. Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to avoid exposure to chemicals
Communicate to your child what he or she needs to wear to avoid exposure to hazardous chemicals, and how to wear it properly. This could include chemical-proof goggles, rubber gloves, respirators and heavy-duty clothing.
5. Do not use equipment you haven’t been trained to use
Between 60 and 70 teens die from job-related injuries each year. Often this is because they weren’t properly acquainted with machinery. That’s why it’s important for everyone, especially younger farm workers, to review manuals and take proper trainings before and throughout farm season.
Parents can review this checklist to see if their preteen is ready to drive a tractor.
6. identify hazards in confined spaces
Confined spaces on the farm can be a dangerous place for a child or teen and they are at greater risk in confined spaces if they don’t know where the hazards are.
Follow these five tips from the National Farm Medicine Center to make sure you and your children will be safe in confined spaces.
7. Handle animals safely
Animals are cute, but cows and horses are very different from cats and dogs. Farm animals can be a major source of injury for kids and teens on the farm.
Because farm animals sense their surroundings differently than humans, they are likely to become frightened, or “spooked.” When an animal is agitated, it is a threat to an unsuspecting child or teen.
Follow these animal handling tips for keeping kids and teens safe around large animals.
8. Ride your ATV with caution
Did you know more than 60 percent of ATV-related youth deaths occurred when children and teens were riding on paved roads? Or that having multiple riders on an ATV causes 75 percent of child ATV-related deaths?
Following basic, safety procedures can mean saving a life. For instance, always wear a DOT-approved helmet with face protection and protective gear. Doing so will decrease your fatality risk by 50 percent and a non-fatal head injury by 80 percent.
Farming traditions run deep in the state of Wisconsin and farm safety is a priority for farmers. Rural Mutual has been protecting farms across the state for over 90 years. Reach out to a local agent to learn more.
