Safety first urges Farmers & Mercantile at LAMMA 2017 : With one of the highest fatal injury statistics of any industry in the UK, it has never been more crucial for the agricultural sector to ensure fully qualified engineering inspections are implemented and that they meet Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.
In the last ten years almost one person a week has been killed as a direct result of agricultural work. Unwise risk-taking is an underlying problem within the industry. However much experience an employer and operator may have, accidents can still happen, specifically those relating to machinery failure.
In the past farmers have bemoaned what has been felt as the futility of engineering inspections as they have been carried out by inspectors with no direct experience of operating or maintaining the machines involved. Leading independent insurance broker Farmers & Mercantile (F&M) takes a different approach, with all of its engineering inspectors coming from farming backgrounds with sound practical knowledge.
The highly skilled team at F&M’s engineering inspection division, headed by farmer’s son Keith Short, has undergone extensive training and all inspection engineers are certified by Lloyds British. Keith has over 20 years’ experience in the farm machinery trade, and he is supported by a strong team of agricultural engineers.
Providing PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) inspection services, F&M can ensure all lifting equipment complies with HSE regulations. The inspections are designed not only to identify performance compromising issues with the potential to become dangerous, but also to provide each machine with a comprehensive service history.
If a farmer decides for instance to upgrade a telehandler, the engineering certificates will be evidence that the machine has been well maintained and that it is in good, safe working order.
From an insurance perspective if a machine is stolen or involved in an accident, the reports produced by F&M will again provide evidence as to its general condition, operating hours and any advisory issues that have been acted upon, and will help therefore to establish its true value.
F&M hold inspection reports electronically, meaning they are available whenever and wherever required. The team also manage inspection schedules, contacting clients when an inspection is due and arrange this at a convenient time.
Accidents will be investigated by HSE and if any areas of negligence are identified prosecutions and fines will follow. The F&M engineering inspection division can help avoid this situation.
Meet the team at LAMMA 2017 (Stand 787) to discuss you requirements or call 01604 782782 for more details. Visit www.fandmgroup.co.uk
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