Intro:
Farming has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. Growing up on a small farm, I learned early on that while it’s one of the most rewarding ways to live, it’s also full of hidden dangers. Now, as a young family farmer myself, it’s my responsibility to make sure my loved ones stay safe while working and playing on the farm. Today, I want to share with you the most important farm safety tips that have helped me protect my family, and hopefully, they can help you do the same.
Farms are full of fun adventures, hard work, and valuable lessons, but they also come with risks that can’t be ignored. These dangers don’t have to be overwhelming, though. If you’re smart about it, and if you’re aware of where things can go wrong, you can avoid many of the common accidents that farmers face. Let’s dive into the top 10 safety tips for families working or living on a farm, along with real-life examples of how things can go wrong—and how to prevent them.
1. Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings
One of the first lessons I learned as a child was to always be aware of where I was standing. Whether it’s large machinery, animals, or uneven terrain, a farm is full of potential hazards that can change in an instant. One moment you’re looking at a clear path, and the next, a tractor is backing up without you noticing.
Real-life Example: Last year, a friend of mine had a close call when his 8-year-old son was playing near the barn. He didn’t notice that his dad was maneuvering a loader in reverse. The child was so focused on chasing a stray kitten that he didn’t see the tractor until it was almost too late. Thankfully, my friend had installed a backup alarm on his equipment, which gave the boy just enough warning to jump out of the way.
How to Prevent It: Make it a family rule to always keep a safe distance from operating machinery. Educate your kids about the blind spots on tractors and trucks and teach them to make eye contact with the driver before approaching any vehicle. And for the drivers—always check twice before reversing.
2. Proper Handling of Chemicals and Pesticides
If you’re like me, you take pride in producing crops that are healthy and pest-free. But with that comes the responsibility of handling chemicals safely. It’s easy to become complacent when you’re in a rush, but all it takes is one mistake to cause a serious health issue.
Real-life Example: I’ll never forget the time my uncle accidentally spilled herbicide on his hands while mixing it. He thought nothing of it and washed it off quickly. But later that evening, his hands were red, blistered, and painful. A quick trip to the emergency room revealed that he’d been exposed to a concentrated chemical that caused a severe reaction.
How to Prevent It: Always wear protective gear—gloves, masks, and goggles—when handling chemicals. Keep all pesticides and fertilizers locked away where children can’t reach them. And never mix chemicals in a hurry; take your time to avoid spills and splashes. Teaching kids to stay clear of these substances is crucial as well.
3. Keep Your Livestock Contained and Under Control
Animals are unpredictable, even if you’ve raised them from birth. It doesn’t matter how friendly your bull or horse seems; they can react unexpectedly if startled.
Real-life Example: A neighboring family had a near-tragic incident when their toddler wandered into the cattle pen while they were distracted. The child’s sudden presence startled one of the cows, causing it to charge. Fortunately, they were able to intervene in time, but it could have ended much worse.
How to Prevent It: Keep all gates securely locked, and teach your children to never enter animal enclosures without an adult. Install sturdy fences and regularly check for any weak spots. It’s also a good idea to teach kids to stay calm around animals and to avoid sudden movements or loud noises.
4. Safe Handling of Power Tools and Equipment
Power tools are a farmer’s best friend, but they can quickly become your worst enemy if used carelessly. Whether it’s a chainsaw, a drill, or a grinder, these tools can cause severe injuries if mishandled.
Real-life Example: A family friend of ours lost a finger while trying to fix a fence post with a circular saw. He wasn’t wearing gloves, and the saw kicked back unexpectedly. That incident changed his life, and now he’s a vocal advocate for wearing safety gear and never rushing a job.
How to Prevent It: Always use the correct safety equipment, including gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed boots. Teach your children that power tools are not toys and should only be handled by adults. Never leave tools lying around unattended, especially if you have young children who might be tempted to “help” out.
5. Water Safety: Ponds, Wells, and Irrigation Systems
Water sources are an essential part of farming, but they can also be deadly, especially for young children. Drowning can happen in mere seconds, and it’s often silent.
Real-life Example: I knew a farmer whose toddler fell into an irrigation ditch while he was busy checking the crops. By the time he noticed, it was too late. The tragedy sent shockwaves through our community and was a harsh reminder of how quickly things can go wrong.
How to Prevent It: Install fencing around ponds, ditches, and wells. Supervise children closely whenever they’re near water, and teach them to stay away from irrigation systems. You can also invest in water alarms that can detect if something or someone falls into a water source.
6. Fire Safety on the Farm
Farms are full of flammable materials—hay, fuel, dry crops—and that means fires can spread fast. One of my worst fears is a barn fire, especially with animals inside.
Real-life Example: A friend lost his entire barn to a fire caused by faulty wiring. It happened overnight, and by the time he woke up, everything was gone, including his livestock. It was heartbreaking to see the aftermath and the loss he suffered.
How to Prevent It: Regularly inspect electrical systems, keep fire extinguishers in easy-to-reach places, and train your family on how to use them. Create a fire escape plan for your family, and ensure everyone knows where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.
7. Protecting Children on ATVs and Tractors
ATVs and tractors can be fun, but they are not toys. Too many accidents happen because kids are allowed to drive them without supervision or proper training.
Real-life Example: A local family had a scare when their teenage son flipped an ATV while trying to ride up a steep incline. He was wearing a helmet, but he still suffered a broken leg and a concussion. It could have been much worse if he hadn’t been wearing protective gear.
How to Prevent It: Set clear rules about who is allowed to operate vehicles and enforce them. Make helmets mandatory, and never let children ride without adult supervision. It’s also a good idea to take safety courses before allowing anyone to drive ATVs or tractors.
Conclusion & Call to Action
Farming is more than just a job—it’s a way of life. Protecting your family should always come first. By following these safety tips, you can enjoy all the rewards that farm life has to offer while minimizing the risks.
If you found this article helpful, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel, Roots and Fields, where I share more tips, reviews, and advice on all things farming. Together, we can make farming safer for everyone.
Thanks for reading, and stay safe out there!
