Safety In and Around Farms

Agriculture is one of the most dangerous environments to work or be around. Dangers include but are not limited to tractors, machinery, animals and chemicals. According to the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety 2017 Fact Sheet every three days, a child dies in an agriculture-related incident and every day, about 33 children are injured in agriculture-related incidents.

Children lack the cognitive development and judgement needed to be unsupervised in and around a farm or agricultural environment. As adults, it is our responsibility to make their environment a safe place to explore and learn. Children are curious and are totally unaware of the dangers around them.

• Children should never be allowed to play in or around tractors or equipment.
• Children should not be in and around livestock.
• A safe, fenced in play area should be created away from traffic and farm equipment.
• Chemicals should be a locked cabinet or building.
• Do not assign or expect children to complete chores or tasks that are not age appropriate for them.

For more information on farm safety, visit our Resources page and click on the month of September – Farm Safety Month.