Keeping kids involved and safe on farms a balancing act

The balance of showing kids the beauty of farm life while keeping them safe is the focus of Farm Safety Week, as 12% of injuries involve children.

Zack Zweck was eight when he started driving tractors, cars and utes on his family's sheep property.

"I was in the driver's seat with my old man next to me trying to teach me for hours on end," Mr Zweck said.

"Eventually when you get more confident, you go out and do it yourself in your teenage years."

That's life for children on the land and a tradition Mr Zweck intends to continue with his son and daughter on their hobby farm in Kadina, South Australia.

"When you have kids, you want to hand over some of the knowledge," he said.

Safety is always front of mind for Mr Zweck and his wife Crystal, who continually talk to seven-year-old Archer and four-year-old Indie about the risks of farm work.

The children know to stay in their parents' sight and far away from moving vehicles, while Mr Zweck ensures everyone is alert when he starts up machinery.

"You're always looking over your shoulder," he said.

The balance of exposing kids to rural life while maximising their safety is a key focus of Farm Safety Week, as figures reveal 12% of farm injuries occurred in people under 15 last year. Nearly 10% of fatalities were in that age group.

Quad bikes, large animals and motorbikes were the top three causes of injuries, according to Farmsafe Australia's annual trend report.

Research shows parents' active engagement, anticipation of risks and clear communication is crucial.

"Growing up on a farm is a unique and enriching experience; it instills values of hard work, resourcefulness, and a profound connection to the land," Farmsafe Australia Chair Felicity Richards said.

"However, with these incredible opportunities come responsibilities."

There was a significant decrease in all farm fatalities across Australia in 2023, with 32 deaths compared to 55 the year before.

But 30 people have already lost their lives in on-farm incidents in the first half of this year.

About a third of fatalities in NSW over the last two years have involved quad bikes or motorbikes, according to SafeWork NSW.

Ms Richards said though last year's decrease in fatalities was welcome, the latest figures show there's more work to do.

"We must continue to commit to building safer cultures across our workforce to protect the lives of those who live and work on Australian farms," she said.

The Zweck family took part in the Safety Champs program, a collaboration between agriculture companies BASF and AgLink that sends activity packs and protective clothing to children on farms.

"When I was a kid we would have never talked about it, it was just an understanding," Mr Zweck said. "It's a great way to start the conversation."