Guidance For Farm Parents On What Tasks Youth Are Capable Of Completing

A set of three guidebooks now available from the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety can help parents and farm operators determine if a young farmhand is able to complete a common task on their land safely.  Scott Heiberger says each task is presented as a standalone poster with tips and a questionnaire.

However, Heiberger reminds parents that the guidebook is just that: a guide.  He says ultimately, it’s up to the adult supervisors to determine if a youth is physically and mentally able to safely complete a task.

Scott Heiberger of the National Children’s Center for Rural and Agricultural Health and Safety notes that the three guidebooks were developed from the center’s Agricultural Youth Work Guidelines.  The guidebooks focusing on working with animals, gardening, and machinery can be downloaded from the center’s website.