Cyndi's Two Cents

Keep kids safe on the farm

Commentary.

In the past week, three children under the age of ten in the county where I live have died in accidents.  One of those accidents was a mobile home fire in a small, rural community.  The other 2 were farm accidents.  Although all were accidental, a parent was behind the wheel when the children were killed on their home farms.

The horror, the sadness and the guilt a parent must feel when a child dies in this way is unimaginable.  It is heart-wrenching.  The “What if’s?” are infinite.  Parents and siblings, aunts and uncles, grandparents, friends and community are forever changed in some way by this unnecessary tragic event.

Every three days, a child dies in a farm-related accident in this country.  Every single day 33 children are injured in farm-related accidents in this country.  Most farm-related injuries occur in the Midwest.

Injury statistics compiled by the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety in Marshfield, Wisconsin confirms that the leading sources of fatalities are machinery (25%), motor vehicles/ATVs (17%) and drowning (16%).

Most children are fearless.  They are not likely to sense danger.  Many have not yet learned the real dangers around them or developed the instinct that comes with time.  Their little bodies will not move as quickly or stay away from farm equipment standing still or in motion.

It must be a parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child in a farm accident so doing everything possible to lessen the chances of that ever happening is so very important.

Every year during harvest season, there is a week dedicated to promoting farm health and safety.  One of the key educational messages and reminders we offer our listeners on the radio network is to stay alert.  Pay attention to detail.  Do not become complacent and lose the edge needed to stay safe during harvest season.  Be prepared just in case something does go wrong.

A farm can be a dangerous place to live and work year-round.  When under the great pressure that comes with harvest season, chores on the farm can become even more perilous.  Even with safety at the top of mind, accidents do happen, so it is in everyone’s best interest to be proactive and make sure that someone on your farm or at your business knows basic first aid and CPR.  Be sure you have a first aid kit and fire extinguisher readily available, just in case, and post important emergency phone numbers in an easily accessible location for all who live and work with you.

Get sleep and take short breaks to refresh your mind and body.  Eat right and drink plenty of water.  Don’t get in a mad rush.  Don’t cut corners.  Make sure that someone always knows exactly where the children are and start teaching them about farm safety as soon as they are able to understand.

I hope harvest is a safe and abundant one for you and your family.