TIPS For Families

Is There a Hazard on Your Farm?

Written by: Sherry Nielsen, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska Extension

            Longer days, nicer weather, outdoor fun, or maybe a list of tasks to be completed are calling many of us out of the house.  It is so easy to just “head out”.  But when was the last time you took a safety inventory of your farm?

            A health and safety inspection is something the whole family can be involved in.  Not only can you find hazards – and take action to fix any problem – but it is also an excellent way to teach children safe and healthy situations.

With over 100 children’s lives lost each year in farm-related accidents, and countless more injuries sustained, creating a safe play area should be one of the first steps a family takes to ensure safety.

A safe play area is located away from traffic and farmstead hazards.  It is designated by physical barriers like fences, gates, shrubs or trees.  It has play equipment appropriate for the age of children who are using it.  It can be supervised by adults constantly or intermittently, depending on the age and need of the children.

Some other ways to protect children and visitors to your acreage include:

·        Secure hazardous areas like farm shops or livestock pens with locking doors or gates. 

·        Store chemicals and petroleum products in their original containers and in locked buildings or cabinets.

·        Put equipment away after each use, whether a power tool or a hand rake.

·        Keep ladders out of reach of children and stored away from the sides of buildings,

·        Locate fire extinguishers in appropriate places and know how to use them.

·        Set “off limits” boundaries for machinery or hazardous areas – and stick to it!

A “safety first” attitude will go a long way in preventing injuries on your acreage.  As you take on new ventures or expand existing opportunities, think first how you can accomplish what you want to do in as safe a manner as possible.  Children will learn by your example.

If you wish to leave feedback about this TIPS for Families, click on the TIPS Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.  For more information on Farm Safety go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln publication website at www.ianrpub.unl.edu and click on Families.