Rural Mama's Sandbox

Living on a horse farm is not all fun and games (but for the most part it is fun), it’s a lot of work. And to do that work, we rely on farm equipment to help us get the job done. Having small kids around the farm can be somewhat stressful and teaching your kids Farm Safety could mean the difference between a fun time and a trip to the ER!

Did you know that according to the Progressive Agriculture Foundation, each year an estimated 15,000 children who visit, live or work on farms or ranches are injured and more than 100 children die of agriculture-related injuries in the United States alone?

Until recently I was not aware of those scary statistics!

These statistics are simply too high, and Kubota is dedicated to helping families make sure those summer memories are as safe and happy as possible by offering “Kubota’s Farm Safety Tips for Kids” to help families start the safety conversation as early as possible.

Kubota’s Farm Safety Tips for Kids:

Stop, look and listen when playing outside, especially on the farm, and always be aware of your surroundings.
Farm equipment is not safe to ride on even when an adult is present.
Tractors are not toys. They are powerful machines only to be used by adults who are thoroughly familiar with the equipment.
Children should never ride on a tractor; a tractor only has one seat and that seat is intended for the operator. Just say “no” if someone wants to give you a ride. It is not safe to be a “rider” when the tractor is intended for one operator.
Stay out of the path of all moving equipment. And, stand far away from a tractor when it is being started; when it is running; and, especially when it is working.
Never stand behind a tractor – whether it is running or not – the operator might not see you and you could get hurt.
Be a “safety first sheriff” and encourage use of seatbelts for your entire family. Just like in a car, a tractor is equipped with a seatbelt for safety. Additionally, a Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) on a tractor is in place to protect the driver.

The Kubota website also has an Equipment Safety page with an excellent Education Resources section that include Videos, Podcasts, and Tractor Safety Games and Activities you can print off to help teach your kid about the do’s and don’ts of being on a farm and around farm equipment. Go here to view Kubota’s Equipment Safety Page: http://kubota.com/safety/TractorSafety.aspx

Kubota is also offering a Kubota Kid Safety Kit to one of my lucky readers! The Safety Kit includes:

· “Kubota’s Farm Safety Tips for Kids” sheet

· Ten Commandments of Tractor Safety” coloring book

· Kubota duffle bag

· Kubota youth-size t-shirt

· Kubota youth-sized baseball cap

ENTRIES CLOSED
Click here for the Winner!

Entries close on November 1, 2011 at 11:50PM EST! U.S. & Canada entries only please. Winner's first name and last initial will be posted on my blog. I will e-mail the winner for mailing address verification.

Have a wonderful evening dear followers and stay SAFE!

Kelsey

Disclaimer: Kubota provided me with a Kubota Kit Safety Kit to keep as well as provided one for one of my lucky readers. I was not compensated for this post.