Adult responsibilities

ADULTS NEED TO MAKE SURE:

• Work area has no hazards
• Climbing structure is safe and stable
• Child has been fitted for a respirator and shown how to use it
• Animals have no disease

Main Hazards

Working up high can lead to falls	Weight of bales can strain muscles	Animal movement can cause injury

Remember

Non-skid shoes	Respirator as needed	Good handwashing

Can your child do this job?

ABILITY

Can the child set and climb the ladder? (See “Climbing”)
Yes.
No. STOP! Children must be able to set a ladder to do this job safely.

Can the child lift safely? (See “Lifting”)
Yes.
No. STOP! Children must be able to lift correctly to do this job safely.

Is the child comfortable around cows?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who are uncomfortable around cows are more likely to be injured.

Does the bale the child will lift weigh less than 10-15% of the child's body weight?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! The child should carry the hay in smaller sections or an adult should carry the bale.

Does the child have to carry the hay less than 10- 15 yards?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! An adult should carry the hay to the feeding area.

Can the child react quickly?
Yes.
No. STOP! Because cows behave unpredictably, children need quick reactions to avoid injury.

TRAINING

Has the child been trained on animal behavior?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who don't understand animal behavior are more likely to be injured.

Has the child been trained on lifting techniques?
Yes.
No. STOP! Lifting incorrectly can cause back injury.

If the child is 12 or older, has he or she been trained to use cutting tools?
Yes.
No. STOP! Training is needed to prevent injury.

Has an adult demonstrated feeding hay to cows on site?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children learn best when shown how to do the job at the worksite.

Has the child shown he or she can do the job safely 4 to 5 times under close supervision?
Yes.
No. CAUTION! An adult must watch constantly until the child shows he or she can do the job.

SUPERVISION

Can an adult supervise as recommended?
Yes.
No. STOP! The right level of supervision is key to preventing injuries.

Supervision

What's the right amount? Here are suggestions- but remember, it depends on the child.

Hay mow jobs and carrying bales in feed alley:

Age 16+: CHECKevery few minutes at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.

Cut twine or wire:

Age 12-13: WATCH nearly constantly.

Age 14-15: CHECK every few minutes.

Age 16+: When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.

Distribute hay to cows:

Age 10-11: LIMIT job to 20 minutes. WATCH nearly constantly. When the child shows he or she can do the job, CHECK every few minutes.

Age 12-13: CHECK every few minutes.

Age 14-15: When the child shows he or she can do the job, LEAVE for 15 to 30 minutes.

North American Guidelines
for Children's Agricultural Tasks (NAGCAT)

For more information, visit: http://www.nagcat.org

National Children's Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1-800-662-6900 or 715-389-4999
Fax: 715-389-4996

National Farm Medicine Center
Marshfield Clinic
1000 North Oak Avenue
Marshfield, WI 54449-5790
Phone: 1.800.662.6900 or 715.389.4999
Fax: 715.389.3535