HSE issues farm machinery safety reminder

HSE/SCO/150/2009 07 September 2009

HSE today issued a reminder to farmers and farm workers on the dangers of farm machinery, specifically power take-off (PTO) shafts which drive machinery at the rear of tractors.

The warning follows a safety competition run by Lantra within the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) stand at this year's Royal Highland Show. The results indicate a big gap in knowledge after a large number of visitors were unable to correctly answer simple questions on PTO shaft safety.

Only two entrants out of 214 who took part in the questionnaire (one percent) managed to answer all 10 questions correctly. Mr Michael McTurk, Barbush Farm, Troquer, Dumfries and C Heading, Walnut Farm, Thorney, Peterborough each won a Socket set, sponsored by Lantra, for achieving a 'perfect ten'.

Though organisers recognised that not all people who completed the questionnaire were necessarily users of farm equipment, they were still concerned at the low level of awareness.

7.5 per cent of entrants thought that it was safe to remove or attach machinery with the PTO shaft running. A PTO shaft will wrap clothes, hair or arms at a rate of about 1.5 metres in just one second (540rpm).

Examining the results of the questionnaires, HSE Inspector Lawrence Murray commented:

"Whether or not all those who filled in the questionnaires worked directly on farms, it is still quite alarming to see that 12 per cnet of respondents thought that children under the age of 13 are legally able to operate PTO driven equipment. This is especially worrying given that the questionnaire was conducted just before the school summer holidays.

"Unfortunately every year people are killed and or seriously injured in accidents involving unguarded or poorly maintained PTO drive shafts. Most of these accidents are preventable if the PTO drive shaft is fitted with guards of good design which are properly used and maintained, and ensuring that the chain is in position.

"Broken, damaged or badly fitting guards can be just as dangerous as no guard at all.

"It is a cause for concern that farming and agricultural work remains the most dangerous ways to make a living. I would like to remind farmers that taking simple steps to improve safety is all it takes to avoid injury and death in their workplace."

Farmwise is a free, comprehensive guide to managing health and safety in agriculture, available at www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture

Notes for editors

1. Lantra is the Sector Skills Council for environmental and land-based industries and works with 17 industries across the whole of the United Kingdom. Sector Skills Councils (SSCs) have been set up to tackle the skills and productivity needs of the UK.
2. HSE's 'Make the promise. Come home safe' campaign, aimed specifically at reducing the number of accidents and deaths on farms, was launched in November 2008, and has so far generated almost 7000 supportive responses from farmers.
3. HSE is working closely with the industry to help it reduce the number of work-related deaths and injuries. HSE produces health and safety guidance for farmers, organises free health and safety awareness days, provides information and advice through farm visits, by telephone and at agriculture shows. It also monitors the health and safety performance of the industry and, where necessary, takes enforcement action against employers who endanger lives.

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Issued on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive by COI News and PR Scotland.