The man, a member of the public, died at the scene, despite the best efforts of the land and air ambulances and police in attendance.
A spokeswoman from North Yorkshire Police said: “A police investigation is underway to determine the circumstances around the incident. A 33-year-old man from Darlington has been interviewed under caution.”
Accidents involving farm vehicles are a major cause of death and serious injury in agriculture and the limited visibility offered by loaders, lift trucks and telehandlers makes them particularly hazardous.
However, you can cut the risk of an accident on your farm by planning ahead and taking a few simple steps:
- Vehicle routes should be away from doors or gates used by pedestrians, so the safety of pedestrians is not threatened.
- Drivers must be made aware if there may be pedestrians in the work area, and make sure they can see pedestrians.
- Vehicles may have specific blind spots, such as telescopic handlers where a load or boom obscures vision, so may need additional safety precautions for safe operation.
- Ensure mirrors are fitted, properly adjusted and clean. Repair broken or damaged mirrors.
- Pedestrians should follow designated safe routes and ideally wear hi-vis clothing.
Further guidance, including information on the Safe Stop procedure, can be found on the HSE website as well as more specific guidance on using telehandlers.