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Covid-19 has had a significant impact on Northern Ireland, our businesses, our communities, our economy and also our agriculture sector. Farm safety, now more than ever, must remain a key priority on all Northern Irish farms, we cannot afford to have any more major incidents or deaths. HSENI would like to use Farm Safety Week to reinforce our key safety messages and to offer advice to the industry. We are also pleased to launch our new ‘Farm Safe Essentials’message during Farm Safety Week.
TheFarm Safe Essentials message aims to drill down into the key elements and key issues which are the main causes of major incidents and death on our farms.The first in a series of Farm Safe Essentialmessages is entitled ‘No Brakes, No Chance’. Tragically faulty brakes or not applying brakes properly have caused a number of fatal incidents over the years. HSENI is encouraging the farming community to inspect and maintain their vehicles brakes regularly.
Camilla Mackey, HSENI Principal Inspector, said:“All farm machinery presents many dangers if you do not keep them in a good condition, and while they allow farmers to work quicker and more efficiently, safety is critical when carrying out maintenance, particularly in relation to vehicle brakes.
“Where faults do arise, especially in relation to brakes and braking systems in vehicles, farmers must make sure the person that is carrying out the repairs is competent to do so.”
Further information on farm machinery brake maintenance can be found at HSENI.GOV.UK/ESSENTIALS
