Keeping children safe on the family farm

Protecting those we love who are most vulnerable

Children are often at the heart of family run farm businesses and, while it is an idyllic childhood for many, a working farm presents daily risks. Every farm is different, so farmers must assess the risks on their individual farm but identifying them is an important first step. Here are some of the main issues to consider:

Tractors and farm machinery

It is illegal to allow a child under 13 to ride on or drive machines such as tractors. Children aged 13 or above may drive agricultural vehicles if they have attended a training course, run by a competent person, and meet the conditions set out in the HSE publication Preventing accidents to children on farms.

Children under 16 must not drive, operate or help to operate machines such as towed or self-propelled harvesters and powered cultivators. You should familiarise yourself with the age limits and guidelines for the various types of machinery on your farm before allowing any child or young person to ride on them, operate them or assist in their operation in any way.

When children are carried on trailers, make sure the trailer is in good condition with all safety devices working, guard rails are fitted, and seats are provided and secured to the trailer. There should also be safe mounting and dismounting arrangements. Children must also be supervised by a responsible adult who has a means of contacting the driver.

Safe spaces to play

With children around, you will probably need to take steps to make the farm environment safer. Make sure slurry pits, lagoons and reservoirs are properly fenced off with sturdy fences in good repair. Cover and fence all sheep dips and secure tools and work equipment.

Children may see items around the farmyard, such as tractor wheels or ladders, as play equipment. Check gates are properly hinged and can’t topple, store tractor wheels flat or firmly secure if upright, store ladders safely and prevent children being able to access grain bins/silos and feed stores.

Keep children away from areas where vehicles or machinery are in use. Make sure operators know they should stop work if they see children in their area until they are moved away safely.

Children and livestock

Animals do not need to be aggressive to pose a threat to children, even ‘playful’ farm animals can kill or severely injure a child. Take particular care to prevent children from entering any yard or pen occupied by potentially dangerous animals and do not allow children to look after animals or poultry without competent supervision.

Any animal can carry disease transmissible to humans, so remember to wash your hands after handling livestock, especially around children, and keep veterinary medicines and application equipment locked away out of children’s reach.

Living and learning

Encouraging children to live and learn by seeing what’s happening on farm is an important part of growing up.

Helping them to do this safely is critical. Our Loss Prevention team strongly advocates the use of hi-vis for all farm staff. Giving children their own small tabards helps to make wearing them a habit whenever they are out and about on the farm.

Whatever is happening on farm, it is important to protect children and adhere to health and safety advice.