1. Child Safety on Farms David Lowe

2. The Facts In the last 10 years,18 children have died in Northern Ireland farm incidents 6 fell from moving tractors 5 drowned (4 in slurry tanks) 3 struck by moving objects 2 by contact with moving machinery and vehicles 1 hit by a cow 1 by fire

3. The Issues Farms are homes as well as workplaces Farmhouse close to farmyard and farm activities The farm presents unique risks to children Children unaware of dangers Rely on precautions

4. The Dangers Tractors Not designed to carry children Distracting to driver Risk of child falling out Few children survive the fall Driver cannot react in time

5. It is illegal for anyone to carry a passenger of less than 13 years old on a tractor or allow them to drive

7. Drowning Slurry storage areas Slurry Lagoons – secure fencing, locked gate Underground slurry tanks - manholes Slurry ring stores – ladders safely stored

9. Farmyard Traffic and Moving Machinery Busy traffic routes in farmyard Avoid reversing near to farmhouse Make delivery drivers aware of children Prevent child access to parked machinery Fields are dangerous playgrounds at silage / harvest time

11. Heavy Objects Unsecured gates Spare tractor tyres Stacked fertiliser bags Building materials Tractor implements – lower, lock tractor Ladders*

13. Farm Animals Bulls Mother and baby Health issues – E. coli, cryptosporidiosis

16. Other Areas of Concern Harmful Substances Quad Bikes – correct bike size, training, safety helmet Inflammable Material – hay, straw

18. For more information contact HSENI helpline Tel.08000320121 HSENI website www.hseni.gov.uk