May 28, 2009

Health Tip: Farm Safety for Children

(HealthDay News) -- A farm can be a great place for children to live and learn. But the farm has its own safety hazards that parents must help children avoid.

The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to keep children safe on the farm:

• Never let children wander around a farm unsupervised.
• Children can help out as appropriate for their age, but never let them do something that you think may be too dangerous.
• Keep gates, doors, storage barns, pens and stalls securely locked with a child-proof latch.
• Keep all equipment turned off, with keys removed.
• Never take children to areas of the farm that could be dangerous. Don't let them ride on farm equipment, or enter grain bins or livestock barns.
• Make sure children understand that farm animals aren't pets, and may bite or kick.
• Don't allow children near windmills, electrical wiring, elevators, grain areas and other hazardous places where children may want to climb.
• Farm equipment should be kept in good condition to avoid any hazards that could injure children.

-- Diana Kohnle

id=627325