How to stay safe while working with machinery

Moving vehicles

• Ensure your vehicle is well maintained, especially brakes on trailers. Check tyre pressures routinely and regularly
• Keep people and moving vehicles well apart
• Never carry passengers
• Always wear a seatbelt
• All drivers must be trained and competent
• Keep all mirrors and cab windows clean
• Ensure mirrors are correctly fitted, properly adjusted and always repaired promptly if damaged
• Ensure all loads are stable and secure
• Always check for people on the ground when driving – many vehicles, such as telescopic handlers have blind-spots
• Always follow Safe Stop.

Do not...

• Move off in any direction until you’ve checked all the above
• Forget to check regularly that the vehicle is in good and safe working order

More information from the HSE

• Using tractors safely: A step by step guide
• Rider-operated lift trucks: Operator training and safe use

Overturned vehicles

ATV’s and tractors present significant risks

• All drivers must be trained and competent
• Never carry passengers
• With sit-a-side ATV and other vehicles, always wear a seatbelt, if the vehicle provides one
• All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drivers must wear a suitable and approved ATV helmet
• Always maintain vehicles, trailers and any trailed implements or attachments in good order – routinely and regularly check tyre pressure, brakes and throttle
• Always secure any loads and make sure they are evenly balanced
• Always follow Safe Stop

Do not...

• Drive or operate an ATV unless you are fully trained and competent
• Take risks on uneven or sloping ground which can lead to overturning

More information from the HSE

• Safe use of ATVs in agriculture and forestry

 

Machinery

• All drivers/operators must be trained and competent
• Only operate controls from the safe driving or operating position and make sure all drivers/operators know how to use them correctly
• Always ensure the vehicle or machine is in *Safe Stop mode before undertaking any maintenance tasks or checks, either in the field or the workshop
• Check all necessary guards are in position and in good order. Make sure you know what guards should be there and check they are securely in-position and in safe working order
• Regularly inspect all vehicles/machines to ensure they are properly maintained
• Always follow Safe Stop

Do not...

• Operate powered equipment unless the Power Take-Off (PTO) drive shaft is fully protected by properly designed guards which are secured by chain to prevent the guard rotating
• Operate a machine if you are not trained and competent to use it

More information from the HSE

• Power take-offs and power take-off drive shafts
• Working safely with agricultural vehicles
• Buying new machinery

Available training courses

Eligible farmers registered with Farming Connect can apply for a wide range of training courses on many different aspects of farm safety during the next skills application window.

All funded by up to 80%, they include working at heights; first aid at work; telescopic lift trucks; tractor and ATV driving; etc.

You can also undertake a fully funded e-learning module on farm Health & Safety, which is a requirement if you want to apply for any Farming Connect machinery handling courses.

• Find a training course for you.

Farming Connect mentors

Farming Connect have 5 approved Mentors who provide up to 15 hours of fully-funded confidential on-farm guidance.

Brian Rees
Glyn Davies 
Rachel Hughes
Cheryl  Lloyd
Tom O'Kane