Article Text
Abstract
Background Children are often allowed to ride on tractors without a separate seat under the pretext of having fun and creating bonding. All too often they fall off and are seriously injured or killed.
Aims/Objectives/Purpose This is part of a larger NIOSH-funded study aimed at utilising the Theory of Planned Behaviour to evaluate a family-based farm safety intervention. This presentation focuses on reducing the risk of youth being extra-riders on tractors.
Methods This research utilised a longitudinal, randomised-control design including two intervention groups (primary farmers or safety experts as teachers) and a no-treatment control. Lessons were taught to the whole family. Almost all primary farmers were fathers. Data were collected from the whole family. Data reported in this presentation were from 115 families.
Results/Outcome ANCOVAs revealed that, after controlling pre-intervention levels, farmers in the primary farmer-led group were less likely to have unsafe behaviours and intentions related to giving a child ride on tractors than those in safety expert or control group. Both intervention groups reported positive changes in attitudes and risk awareness compared to control group. Youth in primary farmer-led group reported positive changes in behaviour and intentions compared to control group.
Significance/Contribution to the Field The safety intervention had a positive impact on primary farmer's behaviours, intentions, attitudes and risk awareness related to giving a child a ride on tractor, in both study groups. Similar findings emerged for youth. Findings help us create effective interventions that impact behavioural change in fathers and youth related to farm safety.