No business or industry can hire a 14-year-old youth to work around machinery.  No industry, that is, except agriculture.  When working on a farm, the owner/employer or employees act as their own workplace safety officer in an environment that is extremely dangerous.  Statistics tell us that thousands of people get hurt or killed on farms each year.  For these reasons, farm safety education is extremely important.  The Fond du Lac County UW-Extension Office offers the Wisconsin Tractor and Machinery Certification Safety Program to county youth on an annual basis.  Youth who work on farms are required to take the course if they are at least 12 years of age and want to drive tractor on a public road as they work for their parents or if they are 14 years old and want to operate farm machinery for a non-related employer.  These guidelines are set-forth by federal and state statutes.

In Fond du Lac County, the course consists of lectures, guest speakers, videos, and hands-on activities at local farm machinery dealers.  Participants must also pass a written and driving examination after the 20 hours of instruction are concluded.  In 2012, thirteen youth successfully completed the program.  The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Department, volunteer fire departments, and county emergency medical personnel have wholeheartedly endorsed the program.

Photo:  A 2012 Tractor and Machinery Safety Program participant maneuvers through the tractor driving test course at the Eden Community Center.