March 2023 Updates Are you doing everything you can to prevent machinery accidents on your farm? Thorough Examinations are key to ensure safe equipment.  Machinery accidents have long been the leading cause of death and serious injury within the agriculture sector, with the HSE’s most recent report painting yet another dire picture.  In 2021/2022 Agriculture had the worst rate of worker fatal injury with the annual average rate over the last five years around 21 times as high as the all-industry rate. Transport caused most deaths, e.g., overturning vehicles or being struck by moving vehicles. Owners can minimise the risk of mechanical failure by ensuring that equipment is in good working order and consistently maintained. Keep up with inspection schedules Equipment used for lifting operations, such as tractors, telehandlers and forklifts legally require regular Thorough Examinations (LOLER). Thorough Examinations must not be confused with preventive maintenance or scheduled services. A CFTS-accredited Thorough Examination meets the legal requirements under LOLER and PUWER regulations and will guarantee that every aspect of the truck has been checked, from the lifting equipment to the brakes and tyres.Get your truck attachments checked Any lifting equipment that is used as a removable attachment on a vehicle, such as a platform, safety cage or bale grab, is required to have its own Thorough Examination.For example, an attachment Thorough Examination will assess the security of attachment mounts, test winch and chain brakes, check chain and sling wear, inspect damage, and check wear on plates and warning signs. For a forklift or telehandler to remain legally compliant and safe to use, permanently mounted attachments must be included in the Thorough Examination and checked every 12 months, but for removable attachments, the law demands they must be checked at least twice a year.For more information on Thorough Examination within the agriculture sector visit www.thoroughexamination.org/about-thorough-examination/agriculture   Find your nearest provider at www.thoroughexamination.org/find-an-accredited-examiner If you are in any doubt about what should be included in a Thorough Examination, and when it should be carried out, call CFTS, the industry accrediting body on 01344 623 800 or visit www.thoroughexamination.org