Farm inspections planned

FARMERS are being asked to get their tractors into gear with WorkSafe inspectors visiting the Yarra Valley in November as part of a statewide tractor safety campaign.
Tractors without rollover protection, unguarded power take-offs (PTOs) or those needing maintenance will be the focus of the project which follows eight deaths on Victorian farms since October last year.
WorkSafe’s executive director John Merritt said giving people notice of the campaign meant improvements could be made before inspectors arrived.
“Many farmers actually have PTO guarding, it just hasn’t been put on with the implement or replaced when repairs have been completed,” Mr Merritt said.
“WorkSafe will help farmers understand their obligations and explain what needs to be done, however, where safety improvements are needed, we’ll issue an Improvement Notice with a date by which compliance needs to be achieved.”
WorkSafe has a range of farm safety publications in printed form and on its website at www.worksafe.vic.gov.au or by calling 1800 136 089.