Adult responsibilities

ADULTS NEED TO MAKE SURE:

• Work area has no hazards
• Child knows an escape route
• Animals have no disease

Main Hazards

Slippery/uneven surface can cause slips, trips and falls	Animal kicks, step-ons and head butts can cause injury

Remember

Good handwashing	Steel-toed shoes with non-skid soles	Leather gloves

Can your child do this job?

ABILITY

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

Is the child strong enough to control a dairy or beef animal?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children who can't control an animal are more likely to be injured.

Does the child have good peripheral vision? For example, while looking straight ahead, can the child see our finger entering his or her field of vision at shoulder level?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children with limited vision may not see dangers in the work area.

Can the child react quickly?
Yes.
No. STOP! Because animals 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 an adult demonstrated leading and grooming animals 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.

Age 12-13: WATCH during the whole job.

Age 14-15: WATCH nearly constantly at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, CHECK every few minutes.

Age 16+: CHECK every few minutes at first. 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