Moving vehicles
- Ensure your vehicle is well maintained, especially brakes on trailers. Check tyre pressures routinely and regularly
- Keep people and moving vehicles well apart
- Never carry passengers
- Always wear a seatbelt
- All drivers must be trained and competent
- Keep all mirrors and cab windows clean
- Ensure mirrors are correctly fitted, properly adjusted and always repaired promptly if damaged
- Ensure all loads are stable and secure
- Always check for people on the ground when driving – many vehicles, such as telescopic handlers have blind-spots
- Always follow Safe Stop.
Do not...
- Move off in any direction until you’ve checked all the above
- Forget to check regularly that the vehicle is in good and safe working order
More information from the HSE
Overturned vehicles
ATV’s and tractors present significant risks
- All drivers must be trained and competent
- Never carry passengers
- With sit-a-side ATV and other vehicles, always wear a seatbelt, if the vehicle provides one
- All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) drivers must wear a suitable and approved ATV helmet
- Always maintain vehicles, trailers and any trailed implements or attachments in good order – routinely and regularly check tyre pressure, brakes and throttle
- Always secure any loads and make sure they are evenly balanced
- Always follow Safe Stop
Do not...
- Drive or operate an ATV unless you are fully trained and competent
- Take risks on uneven or sloping ground which can lead to overturning
More information from the HSE
Machinery
- All drivers/operators must be trained and competent
- Only operate controls from the safe driving or operating position and make sure all drivers/operators know how to use them correctly
- Always ensure the vehicle or machine is in *Safe Stop mode before undertaking any maintenance tasks or checks, either in the field or the workshop
- Check all necessary guards are in position and in good order. Make sure you know what guards should be there and check they are securely in-position and in safe working order
- Regularly inspect all vehicles/machines to ensure they are properly maintained
- Always follow Safe Stop
Do not...
- Operate powered equipment unless the Power Take-Off (PTO) drive shaft is fully protected by properly designed guards which are secured by chain to prevent the guard rotating
- Operate a machine if you are not trained and competent to use it
More information from the HSE
Available training courses
Eligible farmers registered with Farming Connect can apply for a wide range of training courses on many different aspects of farm safety during the next skills application window.
All funded by up to 80%, they include working at heights; first aid at work; telescopic lift trucks; tractor and ATV driving; etc.
You can also undertake a fully funded e-learning module on farm Health & Safety, which is a requirement if you want to apply for any Farming Connect machinery handling courses.
Farming Connect mentors
Farming Connect have 5 approved Mentors who provide up to 15 hours of fully-funded confidential on-farm guidance.
Brian Rees
Glyn Davies
Rachel Hughes
Cheryl Lloyd
Tom O'Kane
What is Safe Stop: handbrake on, controls in neutral, engine off, and keys out
