Copies of other NIOSH documents on occupational 

safety and health are available from: 

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

Education and Information Division (EID) 

4676 Columbia Parkway M/S C-13 

Cincinnati, Ohio 45226-1998 

Telephone: (800) 35-NIOSH [(800-356-4674)] 

Fax: (513) 533-8573 

Visit the NIOSH Web site at: 

 http://www.cdc.gov/niosh 

Delivering on the Nation’s promise: 

Safety and health at work for all people 

through research and prevention 

 Safer · Healthier · PeopleTM DHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2004-172  December 2004 

Injuries Among Youth on 

Farms, 2001 

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 

Youth on U.

• Agriculture contin

most hazardous in

• Youth are exposed 

working on, or vis

• In 2001, there wer

farms in the U.S., youth living in the

• Between 1995 and 

fatality rate for youwas 9.3 fatalities p

• In 2001, the non-fa

who reside on or afarms was 1,270 inyouth.

Hous

on U.S. Farm 

Household farm youtyears of age who live working and non-worAn estimated 1,075,7operations in 2001: • 16,851 were inju

(16 injuries per 1

• 10-15 year olds h

(21 injuries per 1

• 5,807 injuries oc

farm (10 injuries youth); 

• 10-15 year olds e

of injury while d(11 injuries per 1
 Safety Tips about Youth and Machines • Follow the “one seat—one rider” rule. 

Do not allow extra riders on tractors, all terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other farm equipment. 

• Follow manufacturers’ recommendations 

for age restrictions when operating machinery and equipment (e.g., most manufacturers and safety experts recommend that youth younger than 16 not operate ATVs or machinery unless they have received formal training and are closely supervised).

• Once youth reach an appropriate age, 

teach them how to operate ATVs and machinery properly. Encourage youth to take safety training courses.

• Leave buckets or forks on loaders and 

tractors in the down position when not in use.

• Keep vehicles and machinery properly 

maintained at all times.

• When parked, self-propelled machinery 

should be locked and keys removed from the ignition. 

Farm Youth Safety Recommendations 

 Safety Tips abou• Children should 

playing in or ne

• Restrict access t

manure pits, etcpossible.

• Empty or cover 

water in areas w

• Make sure wells 

filled in if no lo

• Install water saf

at all farm pond

• Teach children t• Be aware that al

drowning on far

Farm Youth Safety Recommendations 

 Remember to... • Inspect your farm for potential hazards to 

children. 

• Provide young children a safe play area 

away from hazards such as livestock, structures, farm machinery and vehicles. 

• Make sure that farm chores assigned to 

youth are appropriate for their age and abilities.

• Be a good role model for farm safety.• Consider outside childcare during busy 

farm seasons.

• Make sure all dangerous areas are clearly 

marked with hazard signs.

• Keep toxic substances in their original 

containers and lock them up safely.

• Devote a day to FARM SAFETY. 

 Safety Tips abou• Teach youth how 

animals safely.

• Make sure child

farm animals thmothers of newbanimals (bulls, 

• Make sure child

clothing when h

• Provide shots an

all household pe

Farm Youth Saf