Farmers across the country are working to reduce farm accidents and with a specific focus this summer to keep children safe on farm.

Over the next few months, farmers are joining with the Farm Safety Partnership (FSP) to implement and share practical measures that help keep their children safe on farm, as well as members of the public who pass through.

NFU Vice President and chairman of the FSP Stuart Roberts said: “Children are an integral part of family run farm businesses. But we must remember that farms are first and foremost a working environment and, like any job, we should try to separate our work from our home life.

“Farms are not playgrounds. All children need is somewhere secure to play that is away from the work place, and if they do need to enter your place of work adult supervision is essential. Such boundaries become even more important during the summer holidays when children are at home.

“The FSP is today sharing guidance and information on the law regarding child safety. I urge all farmers to get involved and help spread the word about how we can keep our children safe and happy on farm.”

The two key messages are:

• If children must enter the workplace, ensure they are supervised by an adult not distracted by work

• Remember that children under the age of 13 are specifically prohibited from driving or riding on any agricultural machine