HSENI offering expert advice on keeping children safe on the farm this summer
Date published:
Farm families are being urged to visit the HSENI stand at the Balmoral Show this week to learn more about the steps they should take to protect their children from serious and potentially fatal accidents on the farm this summer.
HSENI Deputy Chief Executive Bryan Monson warned. “With the good weather and school holidays approaching we will see children spending more time outdoors and on the farm. Helping out and learning are all part of growing up on farms but with that comes more risk and a greater responsibility to keep them safe at all times,” he said.
“Farms are high-risk work environments where children can be exposed to hazards and dangers including moving vehicles, heavy machinery or animals.
“Sadly, in Northern Ireland we have seen children being seriously injured or killed on farms in preventable accidents. It is vital our farm families take the time now to assess the risks and put clear rules in place to keep their children safe,” Bryan added.
He encouraged parents and carers to come along to the HSENI stand at the Balmoral Show this week to meet the experts and get practical advice on keeping children safe on the farm and out of the farmyard.
Key safety reminders include:
- have a safe and secure play area for young children
- prevent children from playing in or around farmyards and livestock
- always know where your children are and supervise them when they are helping out
- children under 13 years must not drive or ride on tractors and farm machinery including quads
- always keep children well away when mixing slurry
HSENI will be at stand EK92 in the Eikon Centre from Wednesday 14 to Saturday 17 May at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Lisburn.
Notes to editors :
- For media enquiries please contact: HSENI Press Office on 028 9024 3249 or email media@hseni.gov.uk. For out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer on 028 9037 8110.