Prevent the unthinkable

Over the past decade, the farming community has tragically witnessed the loss of 17 children in farming accidents, representing a significant portion of all farm fatalities in Ireland. The devastating impact of such incidents cannot be overstated, and my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who have experienced such life-changing events. For those affected by serious or fatal accidents, I encourage reaching out to Embrace FARM for support during these difficult times.
Statistics from the Health and Safety Authority reveal that 82 per cent of child fatalities on Irish farms are a result of accidents involving tractors, quads, or other farm vehicles. Additional causes include machinery and heavy loads falling on children. It is crucial to keep children away from working vehicles and ensure they are under adequate supervision while on the farm. Furthermore, it is imperative to educate children on farm safety practices and break dangerous working habits that may have been passed down through generations.
During school holidays, when children are more likely to be present on farms, it is especially important for farm families to focus on five key child-safety guidelines:

Provide a safe play area: A farm is a great place to grow up. There are lots of ways children can get involved, but always remember it is not a playground. There are many hazards on the farm and children are particularly vulnerable to risks due to their inquisitive nature, poor perception of risk and lack of farm safety knowledge. Establishing a designated, supervised play area away from the dangers of a working farm is essential to safeguarding children.

Supervision: Children should only be allowed on the farm under adult supervision. These instances present valuable teaching opportunities to educate children about farm risks and safety practices. To assist in this education, resources like the farm-safety film ‘Once upon a Farm’ supported by Agri Aware, FBD, the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA), and ESB Networks, are invaluable tools for primary-level students and their families – scan the QR code below to view. 

Vehicle safety: With the majority of child fatalities involving farm vehicles, it is paramount to keep children away from moving vehicles. Tractors and quad bikes are not toys and should never be used as such. Pedestrian and child exclusion zones should be created around areas where vehicles are operating. Adhering to age-appropriate guidelines outlined in the Code of Practice on Preventing Accidents to Children and Young Persons in Agriculture is essential to ensuring vehicle safety on farms.

Avoiding dangerous activities/areas: Children’s innate curiosity may lead them to explore hazardous areas on the farm. Implementing child-proof fencing and supervision around areas such as machine operating zones, slurry pits, chemical stores, bales and livestock enclosures is vital in preventing accidents.

Livestock safety: Children should not come into close contact with potentially dangerous animals such as bulls, stallions, rams, or female livestock with newborn young. Maintaining a safe distance from livestock reduces the risk of injury or harm.

In conclusion, safeguarding children on farms requires proactive measures and constant vigilance. By prioritising child safety and implementing preventive strategies, we can mitigate the risk of tragic accidents. Let us not leave the safety of children to chance, but instead, make child safety a top priority on every farm.

Data source: Health and Safety Authority Fatalities in Agriculture Data 2014-2023.