In agriculture, we are accustomed to having the tools and equipment sometimes even in our own backyards and to overlook the dangers that might be to our children. From our own viewpoint, something may seem to be in a safe position or location.
The statistics for ag-related children’s deaths or injury may seem staggering to you. Every 3 days 1 death and 33 injuries according to cultivatesafety.org. Regarding young workers’ fatalities (2001-2015) 48% were ag occupation-related.
More than 50% of our young ones living on farms work on the farm and ag equipment, in general, are responsible for a high amount of injuries.
Safety needs to be a primary education subject for working on and around farm equipment. Safety First! If not already, make it a priority. Go over it over and over just like it is done with anything of considerable importance in any industry. It’s not just your home it’s a farm, a workplace. Always be an example to the young ones by following guidelines and wearing the proper apparel and safety gear.
Remember to teach them to think before they act.
Click here for a great article and downloadable PDF provided by PennState Extension