This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart- Peterson®, Inc. 2003-2005. Permission is granted for use by active AgEdNet.com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited.

STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET.COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson, Inc.

SF002 Protecting Children from Farm Accidents

Farm Management Library

Farm safety for children is a big concern …

• About 300 children are killed in farm accidents each year in the U.S.

• More than 24,000 sustain serious injury.

• Children aged 5-14 were 66 percentmore likely to suffer from afarm work accident thanadults aged 45-64.

Why are farms so dangerous?

• Farms are self-regulated.

• Safety guards and shields may be removed.

• No limits on working hours

• No rules for minors working for their parents

Understanding the risks for different age groups …

• Ages 3 and younger• Greatest danger of being

run over or injured by falls• Curiosity about equipment• Ingesting farm chemicals

• Ages 4 to 6• Unaware of dangers in the environment• Riding on tractor or equipment with parent or

sibling• May fall or be run over

Understanding the risks for different age groups (cont.) …

• Ages 7 to 9• Don’t think of consequences before acting• Desire involvement in adult activity• Runovers and falls are the main dangers.

• Ages 10 to 12• Starting to mature physically• Want to do things like adults• Lack mental and emotional ability for crisis• May be given responsibilities beyond their

years

Understanding the risks for different age groups (cont.) …

• Ages 13 to 15• May feel invincible, take risks• Intense peer pressure• May take adult responsibilities but cannot

handle emergency situations.

• Ages 16 to 18• Must still be aware of risks• Accidents are often caused by hurrying or

taking shortcuts. • May imitate careless adults.

Taking steps in the family …

• Parents have the first line of responsibility.

• Older brothers, sisters and other family members must alsohelp to protect farm children from dangers.

Others in agriculture can also help keep farm children safe …

• Agribusiness companies, dealers and sales people• Highlight required cautions on their products

and equipment.• Improve equipment beyond the minimum• Finance safety information and education

• Farm organizations• Distribute and finance safety information• Support safety legislation on farms

Others in agriculture can also help keep farm children safe …

• FFA chapters• Promote safety among

their members.• Inform farm families in

their area about accidentrisks and safety practices.

• Schools where farm children attend• Education about farm accident risks• Distribute information to farm families

Others in agriculture can also help keep farm children safe …

• News organizations, newspapers and farm publications• Report accidents• Distribute farm safety information

• Government agencies• Develop information on farm accident risks

• Farm safety legislation

What farm families can do:

• Limit children to age-appropriate chores.

• Adults must be good role models.

• Always follow strict safety guidelines.

• Don’t become complacent about dangers.• Use safety stickers• Attend safety seminars and courses.• Be aware of high risk situations.

This presentation was produced and is copyrighted by Stewart- Peterson®, Inc. 2003-2005. Permission is granted for use by active AgEdNet.com® subscribers. All other use is prohibited.

STEWART-PETERSON and AGEDNET.COM are registered trademarks of Stewart-Peterson, Inc.

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