Farmers and crofters have been reminded of the dangers of letting children play on farms and crofts during the summer holidays
The warning from NFU Scotland (NFUS) comes ahead of Farm Safety Week, which takes place on July 24-28.
The annual awareness campaign is organised by Farm Safety Partnership Scotland – a collaboration between NFUS, the Health and Safety Executive, Scottish Government and rural insurer NFU Mutual.
It sets out to try and improve the safety record of Scottish agriculture.
“We need the help of Scotland’s farmers and crofters, and those working right across the industry, to reduce death and injuries happening on our farms and crofts,” said NFUS vice-president Martin Kennedy at the Royal Highland Show.
“Farms can be dangerous places so it is important that everyone takes the necessary steps to stay safe while working. One death within the industry is far too many, and it is not just the initial impact but the long-term effect it can have on families and on the business.”
He said the safety risks on farms were exacerbated when children are involved.
“We are pleading with the industry to take measures to make their farms and crofts a safer place – create designated spaces, educate children about off-limit areas and make workers aware that children could be on farm and to check their mirrors even more regularly. Simple measures could prevent heartbreak,” added Mr Kennedy.
“Most people working within the agricultural industry will be able to recall a close call that could so easily have resulted in serious injury or even fatality. By adopting some simple steps as part of everyday working practices we can reduce the number of accidents and deaths on Scotland’s farms.”
NFUS has published a range of tips for working safely with children on farms and crofts.
These include: ensuring rules are established so young people who what they can and cannot do on the farm; keeping children away from farm machinery and moving vehicles; ensuring children under 13-years-old are not driving or operating tractors or other farm machinery and also making sure they are not passengers on tractors, ATVs or other farm machinery; making sure drivers have a clear view of corners and installing mirrors to increase visibility if necessary; and making sury slurry pits and tanks are securely fenced and inaccessible to children.