Causes

The majority of fatal farm accidents involving children and adolescents are due to the following:

Machinery and Vehicles

Tractors cause the most accidents. Victims are usually extra riders and small children too close to the operating machinery. The extreme hazard of the PTO (Power Take Off) cannot be stressed enough by parents to their children. Grain trucks and pick-up trucks are the second highest cause in accidents involving machinery. Many victims are run-over because the driver did not know the child’s whereabouts or did not anticipate that the child would approach the operating equipment. Youths riding in the back of pick-up trucks have accidentally fallen out and have been run-over by the truck itself or by trailers/equipment being towed. Tragic accidents have also been caused by augers, balers, lawnmowers and rock pickers.

Drowning 

Drowning in water or suffocation in grain is an alarming problem in rural Saskatchewan. Those most at risk in water drowning accidents are preschool aged children in rural areas with access to old wells or septic tanks, dugouts, sloughs or other natural bodies of water. Drowning in grain is a serious problem in not just children but adult farmers as well. Larger augers, increased rates of grain flow, increased use of gravity flow wagons and larger grain trucks, makes potential suffocation in grain a serious problem.

• Kids should not be allowed to play in the back of grain trucks or in grain bins, whether the grain is flowing or not. Flax is the worst hazard but all oilseeds, because of their small seed size, are especially dangerous.

• An 8 inch auger moves over a bushel of grain every second and a full grown person, let alone a child, can be submerged in less than 3 seconds.

Recreational Vehicles

ATV’s (All Terrain Vehicles), snowmobiles and motorbikes account for the third greatest cause of death for youths in Saskatchewan. Many accidents occur from excessive speed, poor visibility conditions or lack of experience. Operators of ATV’s, whether three or four wheeled, must learn to operate these vehicles in a safe and approved manner. Helmets and visors must be worn. Physical size, age and driving experience must be considered as well as licensing and public liability. The ATV Rider’s Course sponsored by Canada Safety Council (306)384-8079 is recommended.

Livestock

Several farm fatalities since 1983 involving children and adults have been due to livestock. More frequent is the number of non-fatal accidents resulting from the handling of livestock. Injuries caused by trampling, charging, kicking or biting are just a few examples. Animals are very unpredictable. Children must be taught to leave livestock alone; especially those with young, since they become very aggressive if threatened.

Fire

Farm house fires have taken the lives of many children and adults over the years. Factors such as when the house was built, type of insulation used, heating systems and available fire protection services affect the level of fire hazard present. Always have fire extinguishers on hand, install smoke detectors, install lightning rods on major buildings and ensure electrical wiring is up to code.

Farm Chemicals

The Toxicology Centre at the University of Saskatchewan reports that many farm children have been involved with   accidents involving chemicals. The most common types of chemical hazards on farms include such things as cleaners, pesticides, antifreeze, and poisonous gases. Children must be taught to recognize the poison symbol and learn to keep away from containers that display this symbol. Toxicity levels that may be safe for an adult could be potentially lethal to a child because of their small size.

Children are curious so remember:
"Out of Sight - Out of Reach."

The major Poison Control Centres in Saskatchewan are:

Saskatoon’s University Hospital (306) 655-1012
and Regina’s General Hospital (306) 766-4545.

Prevention is the key, so teach your children from a young age to stay alert and stay safe on the farm.