For Kids' Sake: Don't Take Farm Safety Lightly

Families in the agriculture business understand how children are often involved in the day-to-day operations of the farm. Whether they're old enough to participate in the work or just eager observers, it's important to safeguard children's health and well-being when they're surrounded by the daily rigors of farm life.

Everyday, rural children are exposed to health risks unique to the rural environment. According to Farm Safety 4 Just Kids, more than 2 million youths under the age of 20 are potentially exposed to farm safety hazards each year. And it's not all about tractor accidents. There are many potential hazards lurking in a rural environment. Here's a look at some of them:

• Sun dangers: Spending many hours outdoors without proper skin protection is a great danger. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and it's prevalent among outdoor workers. Limit your child's sun exposure and protect his skin from the sun's rays while he's doing farm chores or playing in the yard with a hat and sunscreen. Also be aware that sun exposure can lead to heat exhaustion or dehydration. Make sure breaks are regularly scheduled, and there are plenty of fluids available, like water, juice or sports drinks.

• Eye dangers: Farm equipment, chemical products and other agents present in the farm environment have the potential to be hazardous to the eyes. Children need to be taught how and when to use eye-protection equipment.

• Animal dangers:

Livestock can pass pathogens to humans through direct and indirect contact. E-coli, salmonella, and other infectious diseases can be present in manure and passed on in meats that haven't been properly prepared or thoroughly cooked. It's important to keep children away from areas that are unsanitary, and to strictly monitor food preparation to avoid foodborne illnesses.

Livestock and other farm animals also present another danger. Young children not skilled in handling these animals could be trampled on, bit by or struck by them, especially if they are larger in size. Carefully monitor children's activities around animals to prevent these kinds of injuries.

• Water dangers: Most of rural America's drinking water comes from groundwater because it is too difficult to pipe into town water supplies. Therefore, safeguard against water contamination to prevent it from harming your children. Keep animal waste products, fertilizers and insect repellents away from areas that flow into underground wells.

• Ergonomic dangers:

Although it may not be your first area of consideration when dealing with farm safety, ergonomics is an important issue to consider. Heavy or improper lifting at an early age can affect children as they get older. Be mindful of repetitive tasks or heavy lifting that can be detrimental to children.

• Driving dangers: There is a perception that country driving poses less risk for drivers than driving in urban areas. Therefore, many driving injuries occur on country roads from lack of seatbelt use in cars and on farm equipment. Properly educate children about car and farm vehicle safety, no matter where they are being driven. Parents: Don't allow underage, unlicensed children to operate vehicles. It could be dangerous to the child and to others who may encounter the inexperienced driver on the road.