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 2004-157  June 2004 

Injuries to Youth on Hispanic 

Farm Operations 

Youth on Hisp

• Agriculture contin

most hazardous in

• Youth are exposed 

working on, or vis

• In 2000, there wer

farms operated by States, with an estiin these farm hous

• Between 1995 and 

rate for Hispanic yties per 100,000 yo

• In 2000, the non-fa

who reside on, wooperations was 130 on the farm

Hou

on Hispani

Household youth comage who reside on miinclude working and In 2000, an estimated lived on Hispanic far• 259 were injured 

(14 injuries per 1

• 10-15 year olds h

(17 injuries per 1

• 114 injuries occu

farm (14 injuries 

• Youth less than 1

highest rate of inj(14 injuries per 1

Department of Health and Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health 
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 less 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 about • Children should 

playing in or ne

• Restrict entranc

manure pits, etcpossible

• Empty or cover 

water in areas w

• Make sure wells 

filled if no long

• Install water saf

all farm ponds

• Teach children t• Be aware that al

drownings on fa

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 

• 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 

instructions and rules

Safety Tips about • 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