Helping to keep children safe on farms

As the school holidays approach, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is reminding farmers to think about the everyday risks and hazards on their farms and how they can protect children and young people from those risks. 

HSE has revised and improved guidance aimed at reducing child deaths on farms and providing essential information on keeping children safe.

The leaflet contains practical advice and guidance on how to comply with the law in a simple and clearer format. It can be downloaded free from the HSE website.

Graeme Walker, Head of HSE’s Agriculture sector, said: “The Agriculture industry is unique, as it is the only high-risk industry that has to deal with the constant presence of children.

“Farms are workplaces, but unique workplaces as they are also homes. Many children and young people live on, work at or visit farms – particularly at this time of year – and whilst we want them to develop a love of farming and the countryside, it must be done safely.

“HSE is committed to improving the quality and clarity of our guidance; and we believe that this revised publication is easier to follow.”

The leaflet covers both employed and non-employed young people and provides practical advice on how to reduce the risk of accidents to children and young people on farms. It highlights the situations where accidents are most likely to happen, and describes practical steps which can be taken to prevent them.  It also gives helpful advice on how to comply with the law.