Child Safety - A time to consider!

"Growing up on a farm is a wonderful experience for children, yet for many children and their farm families it has been a very sad experience, with thirty eight children killed on farms in the last ten years", according to Teagasc Farm Safety Specialist, Frank Laffey.

Speaking at a conference organised by the National Injury Prevention Committee (NIPC) in Dublin today, Wednesday, June 14, Frank Laffey addressed the issue of Child Safety on the farm. He outlined a number of measures farmers can take to help keep children safe on farms this year.

"Firstly farmers must recognise that summer is a particularly dangerous time on the farm and children must be supervised at all times. Children are naturally very attracted to noise, especially when it involves tractors and machinery, and these present obvious dangers. But under proper supervision, children can see much of the activity in the farmyard," he said.

"Secondly, it is very important to talk to children about the dangers on the farm. You will be surprised by how much they know," he said.

"Thirdly I would urge farmers to seriously consider providing a safe play area, where swings, slides, and goal posts are available for children to play with," he said.

Frank Laffey advised that there is no substitute for vigilance and everyone working on the farm must be made aware of the presence of children on the farm. He also reminded parents of the need to consider the safety of children working on the farm. He offered the following advice.

• * No child under 14 should be allowed to drive a tractor on the farm.
• * Children over 14 years can do so provided they have been given instruction, have the ability to operate the equipment and are supervised.
• * Children should not be carried on tractors unless a seat fitted by the manufacturer is provided.
• * Irrespective of the work, make sure the child has the ability and the skill to do the job safely.

Finally, Frank Laffey said "the farmyard is not a playground for children. I would urge each farmer to take the necessary steps now to ensure that children who live or visit their farm are safe this summer."