Farm accidents that involve children may seem unpredictable, stealing young lives at random, in situations that could not have been avoided. However, most farm accidents can be prevented. In these cases, the child acted in a way that was consistent with his or her developmental ability, and was hurt or killed because of it. In Iowa, farm-related accidents every year claim young lives or leave youth with lifelong disabilities. For all ages, more than half of the injuries were work-related.
Causes vary with the child's age.
One publication cannot address the causes and cures for all farm-related accidents. However, it can offer some general guidelines for adults to use when providing careful supervision, assigning chores, and teaching about safety in ways that are appropriate for the youth's age and abilities. As all children grow, they pass through a series of developmental stages. Physical changes are obvious, as a child grows taller and stronger. Mental and emotional changes are difficult to detect unless adults understand characteristics of each stage.