Next week 23rd to 28th September Marks PTO awareness week in Northern Ireland.
You can hear some survivor stories by clicking on the links below.
- http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/makethepromise/farmersstories/machinery/compilation-video.htm
- http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/makethepromise/farmersstories/machinery/william-russell.htm
- http://www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/makethepromise/farmersstories/machinery/other.htm
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7BVNqFi_So
Most accidents are preventable if the PTO and PTO drive shaft are fitted with well designed, well fitted guards that are maintained in good working order.
Unguarded and poorly guarded PTO shafts are extremely dangerous and can rip off a limb or kill in seconds. So, before hitching up, it’s important to stop and think - is the PTO guard there and is it in good condition?
NI Farm Safety Partnership has produced a guide to help people to choose a suitable PTO shaft and some top tips to help ensure that the PTO guard is maintained in good working order.
Remember: A broken, damaged or badly fitting PTO guard is as bad as no guard at all.
The Farm Safety Partnership is asking that you raise awareness of PTO safety with your colleagues, friends, relatives and neighbours.
I you have a story to tell about a farm accident relating to a PTO guard or other farming accident, you can get involved in the NFU Mutual’s Farm Safety First Campaign here, and help raise awareness of the problem of farm accidents.
You can down load the Farm Safety Partnership guidance here.
You can also down load the HSE information sheet on PTO guards here.