It could be argued that children are quicker than adults at listening to important messages and adhering to rules. How many times have you been reminded by your children to put on your seat belt or put down the phone while driving? Are we missing a trick with children and our farm safety message?

If we channel this message through children, it could have a greater impact on work practices around Irish farms and change the culture and mindset around farm safety. We have been selling the message to the older generation for a long time, with varying levels of success. Is it time to concentrate more on the younger generation? As part of this week’s agri toy focus, we look at some tips to keep children safe on farms.

Children on tractors

Sixty-eight percent of fatal accidents involving children on farms are associated with tractors and machinery – by far the biggest cause of child fatalities in the industry. While many farmers believe that a child is safer on the tractor than around the yard, the law states that a child under seven must not be inside the tractor cab. This is because it not possible for a farmer to concentrate on the task at hand while also watching a child within the cab.

Children aged between seven and 16 should only ride in a tractor if there is a properly fitted passenger seat with seatbelts inside the cab.

Care should also be taken when vehicles are not in use

Children under 14 years of age should never operate tractors or self-propelled machines. A child over 14 should only be allowed to drive a tractor if a formal training course has been completed. Close supervision of drivers aged over 14 is advised. Care should also be taken when vehicles are not in use – check keys are removed, the handbrake is applied, all implements are lowered to ground level and all doors are locked. In Northern Ireland, no child under 13 is allowed in tractor cabs.

Play area

A safe and secure play area for children should be provided away from the farmyard and in full view of the dwelling house. This area should be fenced off with escape-proof access gates capable of being locked. If a safe and secure area is not available, a high level of adult supervision is required. Children should not be allowed to access heights, such as climbing ladders or hay bales.

Livestock

Make sure children know the dangers associated with livestock. Children should not be allowed near dangerous animals such as bulls, stallions, rams or female animals with newborns.

Children should not be present at high-risk times, such as loading livestock

Animals can perceive young children as a threat, which can result in aggressive behaviour. Children should not be present at high-risk times, such as loading livestock or animal handling in crush areas when cows are calving.

Communicate the issues

Sit down with children and talk to them about the dangerous hazards that exist on the farm. Communicate the areas that are off limits and explain why. Make sure that any visitors to the farm, such as cousins or friends, are aware of the dangers associated with the farmyard.