(Photo Source: National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety)
Family farms and farm workers from multiple generations are common in production agriculture. Involving children in work activities teaches them valuable skills and makes them feel included in the family business. However, work activities can also expose children to hazards and risks if they are completing tasks that are not appropriate for their age. In the United States, about 38 children are injured in farm-related incidents each day, and every three days a child dies as a result of a farm accident.
The National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety (NCCRAHS) developed a website to help parents remember that they are a “Parent First, Farmer Second.” The website provides user-friendly information about child development and age-appropriate work guidelines for farm tasks.
Click here to be directed to the Cultivate Safety website. In addition to information about child development and work guidelines, the website provides information on preventing injuries and real-life injury incidents. Interactive features provide users with opportunities to upload stories, videos, and photos about child injuries to encourage families to learn from one another.