Safe use of agricultural mowers
Are you or your employees aware of the dangers involved with mowers?
Between 1996 and 2006, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated over 30 serious accidents involving tractor-mounted and towed agricultural mowers. Two of these accidents were fatalities. It is likely that there are many more incidents and near misses that HSE does not know about.
The risks should be identified in relation to your machine and precautions put in place to reduce them.
As with any machine, training and awareness are essential:
- Make sure all operators are provided with the instruction manual.
- They should know about the risks and understand the procedures necessary for safe operation.
- They should particularly be aware of the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe use and how to clear blockages safely.
Make sure that you, your employees, or contractors are properly trained in the safe use of the mower. Make use of relevant training courses as they will help you to ensure the safe and efficient use of your mower and give it a longer life.
The main hazards arising from the use of rotary and flail mowers are numerous:
- ejected blades, flails or attachments
- ejected debris
- moving blades or flails
- moving drive mechanisms
- clearing blockages while the machine is in motion
- crush and other hazards while moving the mower between the work and transport positions
- working beneath the raised machine while replacing blades or carrying out other maintenance
- overturning when mowing slopes and banks
Don’t:
- operate a mower if there are bystanders who are likely to be hit by broken blades or ejected debris (these may travel considerable distances)
- carry out maintenance or approach the mower with the tractor engine running
- attempt to clear any blockage unless the tractor engine is switched off, the blades have stopped and the ignition key is removed
- use a mower if the ‘stand-off’ guards are missing from either the front or rear of the machine
- carry out maintenance work beneath a mower that is not supported with a purpose-made prop or stand.
Do:
- make sure anyone operating a mower has read and understood the instruction book
- remember that other parts, such as conditioners, need to be guarded to the same standard as the rest of the mower
- make sure all guards are in position and correctly fitted before starting work and while work is carried out
- make sure that any device (eg skirts) to stop projectiles is in place and well maintained
- disengage all controls and stop the tractor engine before leaving the tractor seat
- take care when working on steep ground, particularly when turning, and especially with mounted mowers
- remember that even when working under a supported machine, heavy parts may also need supporting (eg supporting axles when changing bearings)
- consider the need for protective gloves when changing blades and carrying out similar maintenance.
