Children are not always able to predict or respond to an unsafe situation. Their perception of the world is very different to an adult, even if their skill level is sometimes better than some adults. Always remember to keep an eye on them and be a good role model.
Many children on farms learn to ride two wheel motorcycles recreationally before they progress towards riding motorcycles to perform farm work.
Teaching children to ride motorbikes recreationally is strongly recommended before allowing them to ride bikes on the farm.
Work is inherently good and rewarding for children, and farming offers many opportunities for children to develop work skills and benefit from farm life.
Side by Side Vehicles have become increasingly prominent in farming accidents across Australia.
Tractors are often one of the first pieces of powered mobile farming equipment that farmers teach their children to operate. However, tractors have accounted for 20 per cent of farm incidents involving working children.
Lee-Ann Thompson admits she often sounds like a “broken record” when it comes to her kids’ safety on their Manangatang farm, but it’s something she says she’s not willing to be complacent about.
Forklifts and telehandlers are high-risk machinery that children should have no involvement with until they are at least 18 years of age.
Working children should be actively supervised while performing farm work. You should first determine if the task is a good match for your child’s abilities and maturity level, and then use these categories to select the level of supervision needed.
Victoria Police and Crime Stoppers have prepared a checklist to help primary producers assess the security of their properties.
Archies Creek farmer Ric Oldham says there is absolutely no way he would let his grandchildren do some of the things he used to do when he was a kid growing up on a farm.
Farmers need to ensure that they invest time and effort when sourcing a suitable horse for their children. Appropriate temperament, behaviour, health condition, age, and life experiences of the animal will directly contribute to the riding experience your children will encounter.