National Farm Safety & Health Week

Safety: “A Family Affair”

As an operator, it is important to follow safety guidelines closely. It is also imperative to share safety tips with the entire family. The following tips are offered to help equipment owners and operators start the safety conversation with the whole family:

1. Remind your kids to stop, look and listen when playing outside, especially on the farm. It is very important that children are always aware of their surroundings and understand they should never stand around or behind a tractor, even if it is not moving.

2. Express to your children that tractors are not toys and they should only be operated by adults who are thoroughly familiar with the equipment. Children are generally attracted to tractors and the work they do. However, a tractor's work is not child's play.

3. Be honest, and clear with your kids, letting them know farm equipment is not safe to ride on, even when an adult is present. The tractor only has one seat and it is intended for the operator. Remind them to just say “no” if someone offers them a ride.

4. Encourage your kids to become a “Safety First Sheriff.” Empower your children and educate them on safety precautions like the use of ROPS, seatbelts and why it is so important to take extra precaution with PTOs. This knowledge will allow your kids to remind the whole family to make safety a top priority.