PAC calls for tractors to be tested every second year
Tom Murphy of the PAC told the Seanad Public Consultation Committee that testing every two years is the case for machinery in all other sectors, regardless of whether it is used on the public highway or in the workplace.
He said all employers, including farmers, are required to ensure persons operating machinery are trained and competent.
“However, machines are delivered to the farm with no requirement for training in their safe use or maintenance. The same is true of smaller machinery such as chainsaws and all-terrain vehicles. PAC believes the machinery industry should be obliged to provide appropriate training where such machinery is purchased.”
“We believe the identification of engineering solutions to specific machinery safety issues should be pursued with manufacturers as a matter of urgency, and that tractor testing every two years should be introduced to ensure a minimum standard.”
“Farmers often say that managing safety is a costly business, but in most cases, the cost of change is minimal and outlay is, after all, tax deductible.
He said there was only one fatality among contractors in the past ten years, and attributed this to machinery being well maintained. “That is the secret, maintaining machinery, which is why we believe testing of machinery has to come. It is the only way to bring safety on the farms.”
Mr Murphy said hospitals should be required to furnish the Health and Safety Authority with data on patients presenting at accident and emergency departments with farm accident injuries.
