Farm safety warning issued to families as summer risks for children come into sharp focus

Farming families across Northern Ireland are being urged to take immediate, practical steps to protect children on farms this summer, as safety experts warn that preventable accidents continue to cause serious injuries and fatalities every year.

The call comes from Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive of the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), who has drawn on his own upbringing on a family farm to highlight the hidden dangers children face in what can appear to be familiar surroundings.

A childhood shaped by farm life - and its risks

Mr Monson said growing up on a farm instilled a strong sense of responsibility, work ethic, and pride from an early age, describing farm life as both a formative and rewarding experience for many young people.

But alongside those positives, he stressed that farms remain inherently dangerous environments, particularly for children who may not fully understand the risks around them.

Reflecting on his own childhood, he said constant supervision from family members was the key factor that kept him safe while helping on the farm, with adults always aware of where he was, what he was doing, and ready to intervene if needed.

Hidden dangers in everyday farm settings

Farms often serve multiple roles for children - as a place to play, learn, and work - but that mix can quickly turn hazardous without proper safeguards in place.

Machinery, livestock, slurry tanks, and moving vehicles all pose serious risks, particularly during busy periods such as silage work, slurry spreading, lambing and calving, or when contractors and deliveries are on site.

With the summer months bringing longer days and more time spent outdoors, families are being reminded that risks can escalate quickly if children are not closely supervised or if boundaries are unclear.

Simple steps that can prevent tragedy

HSENI is urging families to focus on practical, preventative measures that can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

Creating a secure, designated play area away from working farmyards, maintaining effective supervision, and ensuring children receive age-appropriate guidance on hazards are all described as essential steps.

Planning ahead is also critical. During busy periods when supervision may be reduced, children should be safely occupied away from active work areas to minimise exposure to danger.

Clear daily conversations about where children can and cannot go, and what to do if they are unsure about something, can also play a key role in preventing incidents.

Children under the age of 13 should never drive or ride on tractors, quad bikes, or other machinery, and must be kept away from slurry stores and livestock pens. For older children helping with tasks, work should be appropriate to their age, with risks clearly explained and suitable protective equipment provided.

Basic safety measures - such as shutting gates, securing keys, and setting firm rules - are highlighted as small but crucial actions that can prevent life-changing accidents.

A stark reminder of the consequences

Despite ongoing awareness efforts, serious farm incidents involving children continue to occur each year across the island of Ireland, with some resulting in fatalities.

These incidents have devastating consequences for families and communities, and many are considered avoidable with the right precautions in place.

Mr Monson said:

“Sadly, every year across our island, children are seriously injured in incidents on farms - and some tragically lose their lives.”

He added that many of these incidents could be prevented through simple, consistent safety measures and greater awareness of the risks.

Looking at farms through a child’s eyes

Families are being encouraged to reassess their farms from a child’s perspective, identifying potential hazards and considering what changes could reduce the risk of harm.

Mr Monson said:

“This summer, I would urge parents, grandparents, and carers to take a fresh look at the farm through a child’s eyes. Ask yourself where the dangers are, what safeguards are in place, and what changes could prevent an accident.”

He emphasised that even the simplest actions - such as closing a gate or taking time to supervise - can make a critical difference when it comes to keeping children safe.

Further advice is available from HSENI, with representatives attending Stand EK 92 at the Eikon Centre during this year’s Balmoral Show. Guidance can also be accessed online through the “Avoid harm on the farm - a children’s guide” resource from the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland.

As summer approaches, the message to farming families is clear: everyday decisions and small precautions can play a decisive role in preventing tragedy and ensuring children can safely enjoy life on the farm.

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At a glance

• HSENI warns children remain at risk of serious farm accidents each year

• Call issued ahead of summer when children spend more time outdoors

• Machinery, livestock, slurry tanks and vehicles pose key dangers

• Children under 13 should never use or ride on farm machinery

• Safe play areas and close supervision highlighted as essential

• Busy periods like silage and lambing increase risk levels

• Simple actions like shutting gates and securing keys can prevent incidents

• Families urged to review farms from a child’s perspective

• Advice available at Balmoral Show and via HSENI guidance online