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An evidence‐consultation base for developing child injury prevention priorities for Australian farms
Author(s) -
Stiller Laurence,
Depczynski Julie,
Fragar Lyn,
Franklin Richard
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
health promotion journal of australia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.515
H-Index - 32
eISSN - 2201-1617
pISSN - 1036-1073
DOI - 10.1071/he08091
Subject(s) - injury prevention , credibility , poison control , cornerstone , occupational safety and health , suicide prevention , public health , environmental health , human factors and ergonomics , evidence based practice , medicine , business , public relations , nursing , political science , alternative medicine , geography , archaeology , pathology , law
Issue addressed 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. So what? Responding to community concerns and establishing a strong evidence base, led to the development of a tightly focused strategy. This proved a successful formula for gaining the support of stakeholders and distribution networks in promoting credible and effective child safety on farms actions within the wider farming community.