The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a reminder to workers about the dangers of farm machinery, following a survey which showed notably poor levels of safety knowledge.

The survey was undertaken as part of a competition run by Lantra on the HSE’s stand at this year’s Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh. Only one per cent of visitors were able to correctly answer all the simple questions on power take-off (PTO) shaft safety. PTO shafts drive machinery at the rear of tractors.

Although organisers recognised that not everyone who completed the questionnaire were necessarily users of farm equipment, they were still concerned at the low level of awareness.

A number of entrants (7.5 per cent) thought that it was safe to remove or attach machinery with the PTO shaft actually running.

HSE inspector Lawrence Murray said: “Whether or not all those who filled in the questionnaires worked directly on farms, it is still quite alarming to see that 12 per cent of respondents thought that children under the age of 13 are legally able to operate PTO-driven equipment. This is especially worrying given that the questionnaire was conducted just before the school summer holidays.

“Every year people are killed or seriously injured in incidents involving unguarded or poorly maintained PTO drive shafts. Most of these incidents are preventable if the PTO drive shaft is fitted with guards of good design, which are properly used and maintained, as well as ensuring that the chain is in position. Broken, damaged or badly fitting guards can be just as dangerous as no guard at all.

“It is a cause for concern that farming and agricultural work remains one of the most dangerous ways to make a living. I would like to remind farmers that taking simple steps to improve safety is all it requires to avoid injury and death in their workplace.”