Workplace transport and machinery accidents are a major cause of death and serious injury in farming.
Whenever using machinery especially before leaving the driver’s seat/operating position or carrying out maintenance - follow the safe stop procedure:
- Hand brake on
- Controls to neutral or safe
- Engine switched off
- Key removed
Tractors and equipment should always be maintained in good working order, with particular attention given to tractor and trailer brakes.
The farm safety partnership safe stop campaign and safety focus on farm machinery is relevant to all transport and machinery activities and echoes the HSE guidance for safe stop. Further guidance on managing workplace transport issues, working with machines and vehicles including telescopic material handlers can be found on the HSE agriculture site