Child Safety on the Farm

Always Model Good Safety Practices

Growing up on a farm provides children with a wealth of skills and experiences. Chores instill a strong work ethic and a sense of responsibility, and the farm itself provides space for freedom and independence. However, it can also be a dangerous place for children. Make sure to take precautions to enjoy the benefits of farm life while maintaining a safe environment for youngsters. Here are a few tips to help you make your premises safer for children.

Safe Environment

• Have well defined safety rules and remind children of them regularly.
• Provide a safe play area, preferably one with a fence and install fencing around pools. 
• Restrict access to equipment storage areas, livestock barns, and grain bins to minimize risk.
• Fence off dangerous areas such as ponds and manure pits and ensure that children are aware that these are restricted zones. 
• Teach children to spot safety hazards.
• Always model good safety practices.
• Emphasize that tractors, lawn mowers, and other equipment are for work and not for play. Strictly enforce the "One Seat, One Rider" rule.

Chores

• Assign age-appropriate chores for your child. Make sure they are trained and supervised.
• Communicate with farm staff about the tasks children will be performing and establish clear boundaries on what they are not allowed to do.
• Provide appropriate clothing as well as personal protective equipment, such as hearing protection and gloves.
• Follow manufacturers’ recommendations for age restrictions for operating machinery, provide proper training, and closely supervise when children use machinery. 

Animals

• Teach your child and visitors on the farm that farm animals are not pets.
• Young children should always be supervised when around livestock. 
• It’s important for children to develop an awareness of their surroundings and learn how to position themselves to avoid being stepped on or kicked.
• Children also need to be warned to stay away from any farm animal with its young. A new mother can quickly turn on a child if she feels her young are threatened.

It’s crucial to provide a safe environment for children who do not understand these risks. However, even with precautions in place, farms are inherently dangerous places. Consider arranging childcare during busy times on the farm such as harvest. With the assurance that children are in a safe and supervised environment, farmers can concentrate on their job with greater peace of mind. 

Sources: National Ag Safety Database, Iowa State University Extension

The information presented in this document is for informational and educational purposes only. It is intended to assist individuals, farmers, and business owners in identifying common hazards/risks and considering proactive loss prevention or loss mitigation actions. For information related to specific loss hazards, please contact your insurance agent.