Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

Farmers and agricultural workers should ensure they focus on careful machinery safety procedures, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), following a recent survey.

A poll conducted by Lantra, the environmental sector skills council, recently suggested that many farmers are unaware of safety information relating to power take-off shafts (PTOs) which are often incorporated into tractor machinery.

The HSE now believes farm owners should reassess their current safety measures to ensure that the risks of workplace injuries are kept to a minimum.

Lawrence Murray, an inspector at the organisation, commented that unguarded or poorly maintained drive shafts can often lead to PTO-related accidents.

He said: "Most of these accidents are preventable if the PTO drive shaft is fitted with guards of good design which are properly used and maintained, and ensuring that the chain is in position."

The HSE aims to prevent deaths and injuries in UK workplaces by ensuring businesses and public sector organisations adopt good health and safety standards.