The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has stressed that it is not advising or actively proposing the use of tachographs on tractors or other farm vehicles.

Contrary to media reports which have been circulating recently, in a statement to Agriland today (Thursday, May 6), Pat Griffin, senior inspector with the HSA, said:

"The Health and Safety Authority, while highlighting the continued dangers around the use of farm machinery and vehicles during silage season, is not advising or actively proposing the use of tachographs on farm vehicles.

"We are, however, advising farmers to take time to plan for a safe silage season," the senior inspector stressed.

Continuing, Griffin stressed the importance of checking that all tractor and machinery operators are skilled and competent in the operation of the machinery assigned to them.

It should also be ensured that they know and understand the system and workflow to be used that puts everyone’s safety first, he added.

"Silage season can involve long days - so it is vital that operators take appropriate breaks and don’t operate machinery when overly-tired," the HSA inspector concluded.