Adult responsibilities

ADULTS NEED TO MAKE SURE:

• Ventilation system is working before the child enters a closed building
• Work area has no hazards
• Child knows an escape route
• Animals have no disease
• Child has been fitted for a respirator and shown how to use it

Main Hazards

Slippery/uneven surface can lead to slips, trips and falls	Animal movements, step-ons and bites can cause injury

Remember

Steel-toed shoes with non-skid sole	Good handwashing	Hearing protection	Respirator as needed

Can your child do this job?

ABILITY

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

If working with piglets, does the pig the child will lift weigh less than 10-15% of the child's body weight?
Yes.
No. STOP! Children lifting more than 15% of their body weight are more likely to injure their backs.

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

Can the child react quickly?
Yes.
No. STOP! Because cattle 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 catching and holding a pig 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 14-15: An adult must accompany the child and WATCH constantly.

Age 16+: WATCH constantly at first. When the child shows he or she can do the job, CHECK every few 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