Child tractor safety

Tractors and machinery are the biggest causes of fatal child accidents on farms.

84% of the fatal accidents to children on farms in the period 2014-2023 were associated with the use of tractors and machinery.

Ensure a child isn’t killed or seriously injured on your farm by remembering:

• Children under 7 should never be inside the cab of a tractor.
• Children aged 7 – 16 should only ride in a tractor on a properly fitted passenger seat with seat belts inside a cab or frame.
• Children under 14 should never operate tractors or self-propelled machines.
• When tractors are not in use:
  - Keep unattended tractors locked.
  - Remove the keys and keep them out of sight of children.
  - Lower implements to the ground.
  - Leave controls in neutral and apply the handbrake.
• Advise visitors and contractors on your farm of these precautions.

Remember: it is not possible to supervise a child and work on the farm at the same time.