Have A Safe Visit on the Farm

Nearly 2 million kids work and live on farms in the United States, and as many as 22,000 are seriously injured and about 100 kids and teens die each year on farms. Although the majority of accidents happen to people who live on farms, a significant number of injuries or deaths have occurred to kids and teens who either work on or visit farms.       

But your children do not have to forgo the experience of visiting a farm. Your children and teens can enjoy all the positive experiences that farms have to offer by just following some simple safety rules.      

Operating heavy machinery including tractors looks like fun to even the youngest child but it is also quite hazardous. People who drive such machinery have been taught how to operate the machinery safely so if your child is visiting a farm, he should stay away from the heavy machinery. Here the rule is look from a distance – watching others use the machinery – but do not touch such as trying to operate the machinery. Now, some friend or relative will say it is okay to ride the machinery – even steer it – but farm machinery is hazardous and accidents mostly happen when inexperienced users operate machinery or when experienced users are not paying total attention to operating machinery as would be the case if the experienced operator even just has a passenger along. So, pass up any offers to even just ride your child or teen around on a farm machine.       

Though farm animals may look harmless and even cute, they can severely injure people if they become confused or feel threatened. Your child or teen should approach animals quietly and respectfully. Loud noises or sudden movements may startle an animal, causing it to become upset.       

Your child or teen should definitely stay away from animals with newborns - a mother may attack if she feels that her newborns are in danger.      

Your and your child should always approach animals from the front so as not to startle them, and have ways you can escape safely if an animal begins to behave unpredictably.      

And, there are health concerns in dealing with farm animals. Zoonoses (pronounced: zoo-uh-no-seez), infections that animals may spread to humans, are also a concern on the farm. To protect yourself, always wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap if you’ve touched or fed a farm animal.       

Of course, even a teen should not be allowed to walk around a farm without adult supervision. There are areas ONLY experienced farm hands should go to (and then only with extreme care) and things only those experienced with their use should touch.      

ONLY experienced farmhands should walk into grain storage areas and silos as it’s possible to become trapped and suffocate under flowing grain. If someone else is trapped in a grain storage area, don’t rush in to rescue the person - you could become trapped, too. Instead, call for help as quickly as possible.       

In large quantities, the gases from manure, which is often used as fertilizer on farms, can be deadly. ALL visitors to a farm should stay out of manure storage areas.       

The pesticides and chemicals that are used on farms can be extremely dangerous. These materials should be kept locked away in marked containers with warning labels. You and your child should avoid handling them. In the event that someone is exposed to dangerous chemicals, call your local poison control center or the toll-free poison control number at (800) 222-1222.       

You – as well as your child - need to have your wits about you even if only visiting a farm. That means getting enough rest and avoiding alcohol and drug use, which can seriously impair mental and physical abilities.       

Being on a farm can expose your child or teen to many types of weather - from the harsh cold to the hot sun. Remember to put on your child sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 every day, even on cloudy days. If the temperature drops, always dress your child or teen in warm layers to protect her or him.      

And, your child should know how to get help in the event of an emergency. When calling 911, be prepared to state exactly where you are and what the problem is - and remember to stay on the line until the operator says it’s OK to hang up.      

Experts also recommend that all teens learn CPR and basic first aid. Contact your local hospital or the American Red Cross for information about courses in your area. Education in saving a life is never wasted even if you never visit a farm.      

Your child can enjoy a visit to the farm safely by just following some simple safety rules.

~ SafetyIssues Staff Writer