Every year, hundreds of youth are injured while working on farms. In the U.S., a child dies about every three days while working around agricultural operations, making the agricultural industry one of the most hazardous work environments for youth. Many of these injuries and deaths are preventable with the proper supervision and training being provided to youth. It is extremely important to convey risks to youth who work on farms and teach them safe practices. Remember, youth on farms are always watching what you do and will often imitate your behaviors.
A team of hardworking children and teens stand proudly in a corn field on a midwestern farm in America.
Why are Youth at a Higher Risk on Farms?
Physical development: Youth may lack the height, strength, and coordination required to safely complete tasks that are designed for adults. Ensure that you assign tasks that meet their physical needs.
Cognitive maturity: Younger youth may have underdeveloped decision-making skill and may misjudge risks or overestimate their abilities. This can place the youth in dangerous situations.
Lack of Regulation: Family farms are often extempt from child labor laws, resulting in inconsistent training, supervision, and safety practices. Do your part to ensure that youth on farms are as safe as possible, even when there are no laws.
Common Hazards for Youth on Farms
Machinery
Tractors are the leading cause of youth farm fatalities. Common hazards with machinery include rollovers, runovers, and PTO entanglements to name a few.
ATVs and UTVs are often used to make farm travel and work easier on the farm. While these tools are useful very little safety training is often provided and youth tend to use them for more fun than work. Ensure youth understand how to operate the equipment and have the proper PPE.
Lawnmowers are another concern for youth on the farm. Never operate a lawnmower with a child on your lap, they are designed for ONE rider!
Animals
Cattle, horses, and other livestock can kick, trample, or bite without much warning to the vicitm. Educate youth on the warning signs of aggression or stress in animals, so they understand when they need to back away.
Youth are more vulnerable to bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella from manure or animal saliva. Be cautious of this when assigning livestock tasks to youth.
Chemicals
Pesticides and fertilizers should only be handled by trained adults. Youth are more sensitive to toxins and they should be kept away from them.
Age-Appropriate Tasks
Under 7 Years Old:
Should not be present in active work areas.
Can do safe tasks like feeding small animals with supervision.
Ages 7–11:
Supervised hand feeding of animals
Gathering eggs
Sweeping shop floors
Should NOT:
Operate ATVs
Climb ladders
Work around moving machinery
Ages 12–15:
May operate lawnmowers or utility vehicles under strict guidelines
Can perform light animal care
Should have formal safety training for any powered equipment
Should NOT operate tractors over 20 PTO horsepower
Ages 16–17:
May operate some larger equipment if certified (e.g., Tractor Safety Certification)
Should be assigned tasks based on maturity, experience, and training
