Ask anyone in rural America if they know someone who has been injured or killed in a farm-related accident and the answer is likely to be yes.
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Agriculture is one of this country’s most dangerous industries, said Karen Funkenbusch, University of Missouri safety specialist.
As the busy harvest season moves closer, this year’s message from the National Safety Council’s National Farm Safety and Health Week, Sept. 16-22, is “It’s Easier to Bury a Tradition than a Child.”
Accidents related to riding on or operating tractors and riding all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are the two most common causes of farm-related accidents involving children or young people, she said.
“Never allow children to ride as extra passengers on tractors, lawn mowers and other farm equipment,” she said. “Also, do not let a young person operate a tractor unless they’re mature enough, have the physical capability and are versed in operational safety.”
All tractors should be fitted with a rollover protection structure or ROPS. Operators should wear seat belts on tractors fitted with ROPS so that they will stay in place in case of a rollover. Never use a seatbelt on a tractor not fitted with an ROPS.
While the number of ATV-related injuries and deaths has declined in recent years, in 2005 there were 120 ATV-related deaths of children under the age of 16, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Risk-taking is common. Often youngsters ride without protective gear and with more than one person on the machine. The ATV also may be too big for their size and age.
ATV riders should wear helmets; eye protection; nonskid, closed-toe shoes; long pants; and long-sleeved shirts. Never ride on public roads or at night. Never use a three-wheeler, which are unsafe and no longer manufactured. Attend an ATV driver’s safety course, Funkenbusch said.