Safety guidance offered after tractor deaths

Date:

29 October 2009

Release No:

E/094/09

Updated, simple, step-by-step guidance on tractor safety is now available for farmers.

Published by the Health and Safety Executive, it follows a number of recent deaths involving tractors, including a 39-year-old worker who died in East Yorkshire last month while apparently trying to fix a machine with the tractor running and a 46-year-old Scottish man who died in August after his tractor overturned into a ditch.

On average ten people a year die in tractor accidents and there are many major injuries. But simple safety steps would have prevented most of them. The updated leaflet, Tractor action: A step-by-step guide to using tractors safely, outlines some essential guidelines to working with tractors in a safe way.

Tony Mitchell of HSE's agriculture and food sector said:

'These latest deaths highlight just how dangerous the farming industry can be. But this revised guide to tractor safety is easy to follow and could just save your life. The guide outlines nine steps to using tractors safely and encourages farmers to stop and think.'

It comes as HSE's 'Make the promise. Come home safe' campaign continues to raise awareness of the risks involved in farming, with 15,000 farmers already signed up.

Using tractors safely: A step-by-step guide is available on the HSE website: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg185.htm

For more general information on safety in agriculture visit www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture

Notes to editors

1. Tractor action: A step-by-step guide to using tractors safely (revision 2) is designed for everyone who uses a tractor or tractor-operated machinery. It applies to those working in farming, forestry, horticulture, amenity horticulture and the sports turf industry.
2. Fatalities and serious injuries on farms have declined in recent years but farming is still one of the most dangerous occupations. In 2008/2009, 26 people in the UK died in agricultural accidents. Meanwhile 1,500 people each year are seriously injured.
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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