Child Safety on Farms

David Lowe

The Facts In the last 10 years,18 children have died in

Northern Ireland farm incidents

6 fell from moving tractors

5 drowned (4 in slurry tanks)

3 struck by moving objects

2 by contact with moving machinery and vehicles

1 hit by a cow

1 by fire

The Issues

Farms are homes as well as workplaces

Farmhouse close to farmyard and farm activities

The farm presents unique risks to children

Children unaware of dangers

Rely on precautions

The Dangers

TractorsNot designed to carry childrenDistracting to driverRisk of child falling outFew children survive the fallDriver cannot react in time

It is illegal for anyone to carry a passenger of less than 13 years old on a tractor or allow them to drive

DrowningSlurry storage areas

Slurry Lagoons – secure fencing, locked gate

Underground slurry tanks - manholes

Slurry ‘ring stores’ – ladders safely stored

Farmyard Traffic and Moving Machinery

Busy traffic routes in farmyardAvoid reversing near to farmhouseMake delivery drivers aware of childrenPrevent child access to parked machineryFields are dangerous playgrounds at silage / harvest time

Heavy Objects

Unsecured gatesSpare tractor tyresStacked fertiliser bagsBuilding materialsTractor implements – lower, lock tractorLadders*

Farm Animals

BullsMother and babyHealth issues – E. coli, cryptosporidiosis

Other Areas of Concern

Harmful SubstancesQuad Bikes – correct bike size, training, safety helmetInflammable Material – hay, straw

For more information contact

HSENI helpline Tel.08000320121

HSENI website www.hseni.gov.uk