Campaign on farm risks to children

A print campaign is underway with key farming publications to highlight the risks to children’s safety on farms.

During school holidays, children are more likely to be present on farms and thus face a number of potential dangers.

When harvesting is taking place, farms are full of heavy machinery, so ensuring extra staff are on site and that children are kept out of harm’s way is critical.

Gavin Lonergan, head of communications and customer relations at the Health and Safety Authority says: "A farmyard can seem like a playground to a child's eyes. Tractors and machinery are one of the leading causes of accidents on farms and this campaign urges adults to make sure children are kept safe from this and the many other hazards that exist.

“The busy summer period is a particularly dangerous time and adults need to be constantly vigilant and make sure children are protected.”