Grandparenting Class

Farm safety

The farm is one of the most hazardous places for a child to live since work is also performed in the same area. This can be challenging for the child because they cannot distinguish play from farm hazards.

Did you know?

• Injuries are the leading cause of childhood death in the United States.
• Farm machinery causes 85% of all machinery-related deaths to children.
• Nearly all childhood farm-related injuries and deaths can be prevented.
(Obtained from Ohio State Extension)

Children need to learn how to recognize farm hazards and must be taught about the dangers, including:
• Animal behavior
• The weight and force of grain
• Harmful gases released by manure and silage
• Electricity
• Chemicals and pesticides
• Riding and playing on equipment
• All-terrain vehicles
• Lawn mowers
• Tractors and PTOs

Being good role models for children and enforcing safe limits can promote farm safety. Learning can and should be fun. Children are more likely to learn from interaction that involves their senses and with demonstrations. Children are fascinated by stories, which can be used as a valuable resource when discussing farm safety.
1. Children should not be extra riders on equipment.
2. Children should not play with idle machinery.
3. Equipment that might fall, such as front-end loaders, should be left in the down position.
4. When parked, self-propelled machinery should be locked and keys removed from the ignition.
5. Know where children are whenever starting machinery and especially when backing up equipment.
6. All ATV riders should wear helmets.
7. Farm ponds and manure pits should be fenced.
8. Fixed ladders should be out of reach or fit with a special barrier.
9. Electrical boxes should be locked.
10. Warning decals recognizable to children should be on all grain bins, wagons, silos, barns and trucks.
11. Chemical and pesticides should be stored in a locked area.
12. All equipment used should have working lights, reflectors and a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
13. A tractor/PTO should be in neutral when not in use.
14. Machinery should be kept in good repair, particularly the protective shields, ROPS and seat belts.
15. Children should not operate machinery until they have completed safety training.
16. Portable ladders should be kept away from dangerous areas such as grain wagons and silos.
17. Dangerous machinery components should be kept out of the reach of small children.
18. Establish regular times for family safety instructions (for example, monthly family safety days).

(Obtained from the Ohio State Extension at http://ohioline.osu.edu)

Farm First Aid Kit

(These items should be included in a farm first aid kit.)
4 – 2x2 gauze pads
4 – 4x4 gauze pads
1 – 3” gauze bandage
1 – Bandage scissors/heavy scissors to cut clothing
10 – Antiseptic wipes
1 – 1” adhesive waterproof tape
2 – large garbage bags (for amputated parts)
2 – small Ziplock bags (for amputated parts)
50 – Bandaids
1 – 8x10 pressure bandage
1 – triangular bandage
2 – pair latex gloves
1 – antibiotic ointment tube
A Red Cross first aid guide

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