The following list covers several of the most important threats to childrens' health
and safety on the farm. It is by no means comprehensive, but can serve as a starting point
toward making your farm a safer place. Discuss the Iist, point-by-point, with your
children. See who can come up with additional safety hazards. This exercise will help
boost overall family safety awareness.
No riders! NO RIDERS! NO RIDERS!
Before moving equipment (especially when backing up), makesure that children are safe.
Don't allow children to play with idle machinery.
Leave hydraulic equipment (such as front end loaders, 3-point implements, combine
heads, etc.) in the "down position".
When tractors and self-propelled machines are parked, brakes should be locked and keys
removed from the ignition.
Always leave a tractor PTO lever in the "neutral" position.
Keep machinery in good repair. Pay particular attention to protective shielding, ROPS
and seat belts.
Safety training must be completed before children are allowed to operate machinery. A
degree of supervision will continue to be needed until teens become experienced operators.
Farm ponds and manure storage structures should be surrounded by child-proof fencing.
Place fixed ladders out of reach, or fit them with a special barrier. Store portable
ladders away from danger areas.
Practise good housekeeping. Don'l leave items lying around to create a tripping hazard.
Heavy objects shouldn't be left leaning against walls or fences.
Livestock facilities and operating machinery should be "off- limits" to young
children. Adult supervision is required at all times.
Shield dargerous machinery components, electrical boxes, and wiring. Place out of reach
of small children or fit with locking devices.
Store pesticides and other dangerous chemicals in locked facilities.
Place warning decals on all grain bins, silos, wagons, and trucks.
Don't start unloading grain from wagons or bins until you have double-checkedf that no
one is inside.
At regular intervals, set aside time for family safety instructions.
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