Hazardous areas on specific machines

Many agricultural machines have potentially dangerous moving parts, which can cause serious or fatal injuries. For example:

Balers – Big round

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by baling work can include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of big round balers AIS4.

Combine Harvesters

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by combine harvesters can include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of combine harvesters AIS6.

Potato Harvesters

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by potato harvesting work include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of potato harvesters AIS13.

Forage Harvesters

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by work with foragers include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of forage harvesters AIS24.

Rotary Flail Hedge Cutters

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks associated with tractor-mounted hedge cutters can include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of rotary flail hedge cutters AIS21.

Agricultural Mowers

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by mowing work include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Safe use of agricultural mowers AIS25.

Skid steer loaders

The greatest risk of injury arises when users have deliberately interfered with or removed safety devices, or removed part or all of the operator's cab in order to allow the machine to be used in buildings that have height restrictions.  Risks can include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in Use of skid steer loaders in poultry sheds

NOTE: Modifications to the safety cab or frame are generally illegal as it will result in the machine being non-complaint with the law. The only circumstances in which it is permitted to remove part of the cab/frame are described in the above guidance relating specifically to the use of skid steer loaders in poultry sheds.  The guidance also clarifies the nature and extent of these modifications, and outlines control measures to reduce the risks.

Telescopic material handlers

Telehandlers and teleloaders should only be driven by authorised, trained and competent people who have completed appropriate training and testing (see HSE Approved Code of Practice L117).

Hazards associated with machine operation can include:

Information on managing and controlling these risks can be found in the telehandlers guidance page.

Forage/feeder wagons

The greatest risk of injury comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Other risks created by work with these machines can include:

Take action to manage and control these risks.  For example:

Rotary cultivators (power harrows)

These machines may be used on their own, or in combination with other equipment such as seed drills.  The greatest risk comes from contact with the machine's moving parts including:

Take action to control and manage these risks.  For example:

2022-02-09