An evidence-consultation base for developing child injury prevention priorities for Australian farms.
OBJECTIVE
Child injury on farms is a significant public health problem. This article describes the evidence and consultation base for development of a national strategy for child safety on farms in Australia.


METHODS
A data profile describing farm child injury was compiled, with evidence for the effectiveness of solutions being defined and the strength of recommendations determined. Representative working groups played a key role in assessing the evidence and advising on the best ways to communicate prevention messages within the farming community.


RESULTS
The main risks identified were drowning; farm vehicle and machinery injury; and injury associated with motorbikes and horses. Prevention recommendations were: (1) creating effective safe play areas on farms; (2) use of seatbelts/restraints in farm vehicles, (3) prevention of children riding as passengers on tractors, ATVs or the back of utilities; and (4) use of helmets when riding horses and motorbikes.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence on key injury risks and solutions has been a cornerstone to set the agenda for child safety on farms. An evidence-consultation base has achieved credibility with potential partners at all levels for adopting priority child safety messages.
Stiller
Laurence
L
Australian Centre for Agricultural Health and Safety, School of Public Health, University of Sydney, Moree New South Wales.
Depczynski
Julie
J
Fragar
Lyn
L
Franklin
Richard
R
D000056:Accident Prevention / Q000379:methods*; D000059:Accidents / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000293:Adolescent; D000383:Agriculture / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002669:Child Welfare; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors; D012423:Rural Health; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*