Down On The Farm: Why Farms Pose Real Dangers For Children & Teens
Last week I got a really nice surprise via Facebook. An old client sent me a note about how they were doing after several years of silence. While I really enjoy keeping in touch with past clients; sometimes time, geographical limitations-- and life-- get in the the way of our communication.
Yet in some circumstances, I know that our re-connection will be somewhat bitter-sweet for the client as I am usually a reminder of a particularly difficult time in their life when they were likely coping with an injury or family tragedy.
Nonetheless, I had no hesitation when I saw Michael's email as I knew he was the kind of kid who was able to overcome any hurdle in his path. Indeed my suspicions were confirmed when Mike told be that he was planning on entering a mechanics program in the Navy.
With somewhat parental-pride, I am really happy of the strides Mike has made with his life. It wasn't too long ago that many doctors were questioning if Mike would be able to stand-- let alone walk on a severely injured leg.
Quickly, I was reminded when I first saw Michael. I recall meeting with him and his family in his hospital room in rural Illinois after Mike endured a substantial surgery on his leg due to a de-gloving injury and fracture. We later learned that a design-flaw allowed Mike to somehow got his leg caught in a hay baler while working at a relatives farm during the summer.
During the course of working on Mike's case, I developed a real appreciation for the hard work of men, women---and children--- who's hard work produces many of the products we rely on in our daily lives. I also, developed a real disdain for farm machinery manufacturers who frequently fail to implement necessary safety corrections-- even after safety problems get routinely reported to them.
In upcoming Child Injury Law Blog entries, I plan on talking more about my special relationship with Michael and about the dangers children face when they work and play on the farm. And oh yeah, go get em Mike!!
Childhood Farm Injuries Facts:
- More than 23,000 children under 19, are injured on farms every year in the United States
- The majority of childhood farm injuries occur to boys between 10 and 15
- Farm machines are responsible for the majority of deaths that occur on farms
- Most farm injuries occur in rural areas where medical care is sparse and vital treatments are delayed due to inaccessibility
- More than 50% of dibilitating injuries involve tractor collisions or tractor roll-overs
- Silo injuries and deaths show the biggest jump in numbers over the past ten years, compared with other sources of farm injuries
Children's Farm Injury Resources:
Prevention of Agricultural Injuries Among Children and Adolescents (PDF) AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS
Farm Safety For Children: What Parents and Grandparents Should Know The Ohio State University
Farm Safety, Children Ages Birth to 19 Years, New York State Department of Health
