photo courtesy of farm-images.co.uk

As the school holidays commence, HSE is warning North West farmers, parents and children themselves to beware the risks that farms can pose to children's safety.

There are many hazards to children living on farms and in rural areas - hazards that are attractive, fun, dangerous and deadly.

As HSE agricultural inspector Ian Daniells points out: "There are children riding on tractors or driving tractors at too young an age. Children can be seen riding on the back of trucks, driving adult-sized ATV's at high speeds, riding on the top of loads of hay, grain or other produce.

"And how many times do you see unattended children around livestock, horses, playing along the banks of ponds, canals and streams? There are children playing with or working with power tools that are much too dangerous for them. All these things are a sign that the good old school summer holidays are here.

"With farm diversification DIY livery, riding routes, fishing areas, and caravan parks are each inviting the public onto working farms. It's up to farm owners and managers to make sure the people who are using these facilities are aware of any safety precautions and no go areas on the farm.

"But the users also have a responsibility to familiarise themselves with potential risks.

"A useful check list can help farmers ensure they have done what is necessary to minimise risk to children on their farms: * Fence off areas that children or adults shouldn't enter; * Give out reminders to parents and try to adjust times when machinery is moved around the public access areas, to quieter times of the day with vehicles separated from pedestrians (as much as possible / at all times; * Children should not be allowed in the cab or as passengers on working tractors unless they are 13 or over and under instruction. Then it should only be allowed if there is a manufacturer's fitted seat with lap strap available;

• Any equipment that might fall, such as front end loaders, should be left in the down position;
• Gates or spare tractor wheels/tyres should be secured to a wall or post with chain or heavy duty rope (not baler twine) or better still laid flat on a pallet;
• When self-propelled machinery is parked, the brakes should be applied and keys removed from the ignition. Don't allow children to play with or around idle machinery;
• When starting machinery and especially when reversing it, be child aware;
• Maintain machinery in good repair, particularly protective guards, mirrors, ROPS, and seat belts;
• Check that your farm dirty water ponds and slurry pits are securely fenced;
• Place fixed ladders out of reach, or fit them with a child proof barrier and store portable ladders away from danger areas;
• Guard dangerous machinery components, electrical boxes and wiring and if they are fitted with lockable covers make sure they are locked;
• Make sure your chemicals and pesticides stores are locked and no soft drinks bottles are used to store small quantities in;
• Place warning signs on all grain bins, slurry pits and remind any employees to be extra careful to make sure children are not around the restricted areas;
• At the start of the holiday think of your own children and devote some time to making them aware of any areas they are not allowed or only allowed with an adult;
• Remember to warn regular contractors and delivery people of the increased risk of meeting children around the farm;
• Provide an attractive and suitable fenced play area where your own children may play without wanting to wander around the working farm;
• As far as livestock are concerned consider the risks of injury to children, not only in the farmyard but also out in the fields. Children are not aware how dangerous that passive looking cow and calf can be. Think of what they see on TV and in books about how friendly the farm and everything on it is. Keep bulls, bull beef and also cows and calves away from fields with public footpaths in them or ensure that the path is well fenced.

Ian Daniells concludes: "The list need not be as daunting as it looks. Most are everyday, common sense procedures that should be followed at all times, not just in the summer when children may be present.

"We want farmers and their visitors to have a safe holiday season without the nightmare scenario of an accident involving a child occurring on a farm. A few simple checks and a chat should ensure it doesn't happen."

PUBLIC ENQUIRIES: Call HSE's InfoLine, Tel: 08701 545500. HSE information and press releases can be accessed at : http://www.hse.gov.uk/