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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.
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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 Tractors • Not designed to carry children • Distracting to driver • Risk of child falling out • Few children survive the fall • Driver 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
Drowning • Slurry 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 farmyard • Avoid reversing near to farmhouse • Make delivery drivers aware of children • Prevent child access to parked machinery • Fields are dangerous playgrounds at silage / harvest time
Heavy Objects • Unsecured gates • Spare tractor tyres • Stacked fertiliser bags • Building materials • Tractor implements – lower, lock tractor • Ladders*
Farm Animals • Bulls • Mother and baby • Health issues – E. coli, cryptosporidiosis
Other Areas of Concern • Harmful Substances • Quad Bikes – correct bike size, training, safety helmet • Inflammable Material – hay, straw
For more information contact HSENI helpline Tel.08000320121 HSENI website www.hseni.gov.uk