An evidence-consultation base for developing child injury prevention priorities for Australian farms.

This research article studies the issue of child injury on farms as a public health problem in Australia and lays out an evidence-based framework for developing a preventative strategy. It identifies the primary risks as drowning, farm vehicle and machinery mishaps, and accidents related to motorbikes and horses, providing preventative measures such as safe play areas and stricter safety rules regarding vehicle use and horse riding.

Research Methodology

• The research study first built a data profile describing the nature and extent of child injury on farms. Data was collected and evidence was documented defining the effectiveness of various preventative solutions.
• Working groups, consisting of representative stakeholders, played a key part in the study. They reviewed the evidence collected and provided advice on the most effective ways to communicate prevention messages within the Australian farming community. This data-driven approach ensured the accessibility and applicability of prevention messages within the real-world context of these communities.

Research Findings

• The main risks leading to injury identified in this article included: drowning; injury from farm vehicles and machinery; and obtaining injuries while operating motorbikes or interacting with horses.
• Specific recommendations made as a result of this study were: Creating effective safe play areas on farms to limit child interaction with dangerous elements; the use of seatbelts/restraints in farm vehicles; strictly preventing children from riding as passengers on tractors, ATVs or the back of utilities; and encouraging helmet use when children are riding horses or motorbikes.

Research Conclusion

• The findings make it clear that significant risks exist for children on Australian farms, but that preventative measures are available.
• The research has been used as a basis to set a preventative agenda for child safety on farms to work towards reducing injuries and fatalities.
• Importantly, by grounding the research findings and recommendations in a solid evidence and consultation base, the study has achieved credibility with stakeholders for adopting and promoting its safety messages.