HSE guidelines to prevent tragic accidents at work

16/06/2009

Two tragic tractor accidents at work have highlighted the importance of health and safety regulations this month, but sadly, not in time to save the lives of a three-year-old Northamptonshire boy and a 60-year-old Cumbrian man.

The two unrelated accidents emphasise the danger inherent in using industrial vehicles and machinery, and reinforce the message that Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rules are prescribed for a reason.

The first incident occurred when a farmer from Kirkbride was run over by a teenaged male who was driving a tractor in a field. Few details were released but it was reported that the HSE were treating the incident as an industrial accident.

The second accident occurred exactly a week later when a three-year-old boy fell from a tractor mower as his grandfather cut the grass of a local playing field.

Apparently, the young child had been riding on the working vehicle with his grandfather just before the incident, but it was not clear what exactly happened next and whether the child was crushed or hit by mower blades. Police and emergency services were called to the scene and the child was airlifted to hospital. However, he was later declared dead.

Both tragedies should and probably could have been prevented, and the fact of the matter is that if proper training and full precautions had been taken, and the rules regarding tractor usage had been adhered to, these deaths might have been averted.

According to the HSE's downloadable booklet, Tractor Action the following guidelines should be strictly heeded:

  • Children, or any passengers, should not be allowed to ride on a tractor unless a seat for that purpose has been fitted.

  • It is illegal to carry children aged under 13-years-of-age as a passenger.

    • Always keep children away from tractors.
  • Always be aware of places where children or other persons may be.

  • If working with others, agree a safe working plan and stick to it.

  • Communicate clearly and make sure your instructions are heard – agree hand signals if necessary.

  • Use the horn to warn assistants outside the tractor that you are about to start work.

  • Make sure you can see assistants who are working nearby clearly.

The HSE say that on average ten people a year die in tractor accidents and there are many more serious injuries including amputations, fractures and crush injuries. The best way to avoid such accidents is to make sure all tractor drivers are properly trained and fully conversant with all guidelines for safe tractor usage.

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