The Rural Voice, 1979-07, Page 19Guest column
Our children
need protection
BY LARRY E. SWINN PUBLIC RELATIONS CO-ORDINATOR
FARM SAFETY ASSOCIATION
Farm children face as many hazards as youngsters from an
urban or city area. Each year in Ontario, a number of farm
children are killed or mutilated in farm accidents. Last year in
Ontario, the Farm Safety Association recorded 17 deaths of farm
children under the age of fifteen years, which accounted for
approximately 37 percent of all the recorded farm fatalities in
1978.
Having investigated many of the child farm fatalities and
witnessed the self -incriminations that invariably follow any
fatality, the Association wishes that it could stop these mishaps,
but it can't. The safety of any child is ultimately the
responsibility of the parent, and no one else.
Farm equipment tends to be the biggest killer of farm
children. Farm equipment holds a special fascination for most
kids, they are drawn to it like a magnet. One does not have to
travel too far along a country road to see children perched
precariously on a tractor fender or some other kind of equipment.
Parents or others give in to children and allow the child to tag
along.
The modern day media has often used the farm setting to
convey an atmosphere of pastoral complacency, where
everything is "apple pie" and simplicity, the ideal place to raise
a family, safe and secure from outside reality.
To swallow this type of subliminal advertising is nonsense.
The modern day farm is a hive of activity with more than its
share of large, noisy, fast moving equipment, as well as many
other hazards. Farm children are expected to be a part of this
activity, and as they mature they often contribute a great deal to
the economic success of the farm unit.
Parents of farm children have the responsibility to protect
their chidlren, and should realistically evaluate all the hazards in
the home and around the farm operation. Safety rules should be
established for all children. The potential for tragedy makes this
a vital exercise.
DO IT FOR THEIR SAKE
1. Small children should be under adult supervision at all times.
2. Provide a sate play area for children. A fenced yard is
preferable for small children.
3. Activities involving farm equipment should be off-limits to
anyone who is not taking part in the job at hand. "No riders" is
the rule; be firm!
4. Before young people are allowed to operate farm machinery,
they should be properly trained and be able to understand safe
use of the equipment. They must also be physically big enough
to reach controls.
S. Always set a good example. Children have a tendency to
mimic adults, so it is vital that you follow your own safety rules.
McGAVIN'S
FARM EQUIPMENT,
LTD.
Sales and Service
527-0245
Seaforth
Walton, Ont.
Established 1936
We specialize in a complete line
of farm Equipment including
887-6365
Brussels
73,'OST
LEYLAND
SPErRY+NEW HOLLAND
Good
Drainage
An investment that Rays off...
bushel after bushel, ton after ton,
_year after year. Good drainage is
good farm business!
Call us now for a tree estimate. We can help you
with your financing.
GOLLAN Et STEN DER
Drainage ft Construction Co.
RR 1 Listowel Tel. 291-1474
After hours 291-1729
THE RURAL VOi E,,ULY 1979 -PG. 17