Farmers be aware

Vehicles are a major cause of death and serious and serious injury on our farms – Help us tackle this

To use telescopic handlers on your farm you must:

• Have completed an approved training course – your car licence does not cover you for operating these vehicles
• Have the vehicle properly maintained and I must be safe to use
• Have the vehicle thoroughly examined by a competent person – contact your insurance company for details 

To use sit astride all-terrain vehicles (quads) on your farm, you must: 

• Have completed an approved training course – your car licence does not cover you for operating these vehicles 
• Have the vehicle properly maintained and it must be safe to use
• Wear a suitable helmet

HSENI staff will be inspecting farms across Northern Ireland and will expect farmers to be able to produce evidence of the above legal requirements. Where farms do not reach the minimum legal standard, Inspectors will take enforcement action. Training providers can be found on www.lantra.co.uk or by searching the internet for providers in your local area. More information on health and safety in agriculture can be found on hseni.