Pretty much every season is "busy season" on a farm, but summer is busy with equipment moving around and just wanting to be outside more. With more people around and more things going on, it is so important to keep safety at the forefront of your mind, especially with small kids around. We don't have many kids around the farm, save for the occasional visitor or the daughter of some of our employees, but good safety practices are something that people of all ages can benefit from. Keep these tips in mind when working around your farm (or visiting someone else's!):
1. Teach kids to go to the nearest building or adult when machinery starts up or is moving. Always double check blind-spots and know where kids are when backing up.
2. Always supervise children around livestock or animals. Don't assume any animal is trustworthy.
3. Encourage kids to wear closed-toed shoes on the farm.
4. Keep chemicals out of reach of kids. Teach kids to tell an adult if/when a spill occurs.
5. Work is good for kids, but ensure they are performing age-appropriate tasks under the supervision of an adult. Encourage frequent water breaks, especially in the summer.
6. Always apply sunscreen and wear hats when working outdoors. Even cloudy days can lead to sunburn!
7. Keep a list of emergency numbers in all equipment, barns, etc. This list should include poison control, doctors/pediatricians, and emergency contacts. Teach children the importance of calling 911 in the event of an emergency.
8. Do not let children play in grain bins or enter a flowing grain bin. Entrapment can happen very quickly.
9. "One seat, one rider." Children should only ride along when able to have their own seat and seatbelt.
10. Do not let children wearing loose clothing near augers or PTOs. Young children should be taught to stand back from implements or equipment that rotates at a high speed.
1. Teach kids to go to the nearest building or adult when machinery starts up or is moving. Always double check blind-spots and know where kids are when backing up.
2. Always supervise children around livestock or animals. Don't assume any animal is trustworthy.
3. Encourage kids to wear closed-toed shoes on the farm.
4. Keep chemicals out of reach of kids. Teach kids to tell an adult if/when a spill occurs.
5. Work is good for kids, but ensure they are performing age-appropriate tasks under the supervision of an adult. Encourage frequent water breaks, especially in the summer.
6. Always apply sunscreen and wear hats when working outdoors. Even cloudy days can lead to sunburn!
7. Keep a list of emergency numbers in all equipment, barns, etc. This list should include poison control, doctors/pediatricians, and emergency contacts. Teach children the importance of calling 911 in the event of an emergency.
8. Do not let children play in grain bins or enter a flowing grain bin. Entrapment can happen very quickly.
9. "One seat, one rider." Children should only ride along when able to have their own seat and seatbelt.
10. Do not let children wearing loose clothing near augers or PTOs. Young children should be taught to stand back from implements or equipment that rotates at a high speed.
Of course, these are just 10 of thousands that you could think up. Use common sense and be safe out there, friends!
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