Farmers advised how to prevent accidents at work

02/09/2010

Farmers in Scotland have been advised by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) how to prevent accidents at work, which could also help them avoid having to make or answer injury compensation claims.

The HSE reminded these workers to wear safety straps when driving their tractors, especially during the harvest period.

Farmers who do not wear these straps or restraints while in a tractor are at greater risk of being thrown from its cab and being crushed between the vehicle and the ground.

"Lap straps can be fitted at relatively low cost when there are already mounting points on the seat, so could be considered a small price to pay for a potentially life-saving bit of kit," said HSE inspector Harry Bottesch.

Last month, specialist plastic surgery registrar Dr Anne Collins spoke at the National Farm Health and Safety Conference in Athy, Ireland, about the gruesome consequences of farm injuries.

Posted by Verity Taylor

Related Articles...

Company fined after unguarded machine causes work injury 02/04/2009 Newcastle council backs hse campaign to reduce work injury 31/03/2009 Seven work injuries add up to large bill for council 27/03/2009 Contractors warned of fire risk on construction sites 03/04/2009 Injury claim launched for brain-damaged demolition worker 03/04/2009 Shoulder injury results in compensation 07/04/2009 Welder receives compensation for work injury 08/04/2009 Firm fined after double work injury 09/04/2009 Hse reminds employers of workplace responsibilities 14/04/2009 Teachers awarded gbp18m compensation in 2008 15/04/2009