Timely safety reminder ahead of another busy harvest

Poor trailer safety is being highlighted as a key contributor to farm fatalities during the busy harvest period.

Farmers and harvest workers are being urged to undertake daily checks and ensure trailers are well-maintained. They should also be serviced and in good condition ahead of one of the industry’s most dangerous times of the year.

“Good preparation leads to an efficient and professional business,” says Jane Gurney, of the Tilly Your Trailer safety campaign.

Being able to prove that kit has been serviced at suitable intervals by a qualified and competent person is important – especially in the event of an accident, says Ms Gurney. Trailers should also be serviced after incidents likely to jeopardise their safe performance.

“Not only is this the legal requirement and helps fulfil your duty of care as an employer, it is critical in lowering the mounting deaths and life-changing injuries within our industry.”

Of 27 people killed in farm accidents last year, nine deaths related to transport, including farm vehicles or machinery, runover incidents, rollover incidents and crush incidents.

Staff training

Bob Henderson, of rural insurers NFU Mutual, said: “It’s vital to make sure that machinery is kept well-maintained and that staff have the skills and the training to do their job safely to avoid accidents and breakdowns.”

Many farmers inspect kit only when the weather is bad. But regular maintenance checks on brakes, tyres, trailer couplings, and hydraulic pipes and brakes are just as important.

Daily and periodic checks on your kit must be performed by the operator who has had suitable instruction, using only the relevant manufacturer’s checks.

These should include frequent checks of the condition of the towing eye. This should not be excessively worn, twisted, misshapen or repaired. A Tilly Pass towing eye measuring gauge is a simple portable device which can be attached to  a keyring and used as a good guide to the minimum wear on a towing eye.

Trailer lights

Visibility on the road is important to make other drivers aware of your presence, says Ms Gurney. This is especially the case during the busy season and with bright lights and shadows obscuring vehicles and gateways.

Turning onto the road with front weights and bale chutes should be a particular concern, as these protruding have led to catastrophic crashes. Side marker lights and reflective tape are easily available and increase visibility.

Secure loads

Amber flashing beacons should be visible for 360° in a horizontal plane. Many trailers have an amber flashing beacon, which should always be used where the trailer obscures the light.

When strapping a load onto a flatbed trailer, correctly rated lashing straps in good condition should be used rather than ropes. Straps should not be frayed or worn, and should be sufficiently rated to the weight of the load.

For a full checklist, including details of trailer safety checks, visit www.tillypass.co.uk