Have recently got involved with Independent Ag Engineer who is putting together a trailer testing scheme for us that we will launch in the New Year. Following number of high profile accidents and prosecutions over last few years we have seen the likes of dealers and TILLY come up with their own schemes which have pros and cons. Some of the dealer costs seem high and with some Dealers not certain how much expertise there actually is in this department. Our Guy has many years experience with Agric and Commercial vehicle work and is particularly strong on brakes. He will be able to do any upgrade,repair, adjustment work required on the trailers.
Whilst considering the details of the trailer scheme I have started to wonder if we are missing a major part of the picture and should also be offering an annual tractor Safety check. This will give a certificate once per year to say that brakes,tyres,pick up hitch,lights,linkage etc have been checked and perform to a roadworthy safe standard. It would be a voluntary independent MOT that could be produced to VOSA,Insurers, Court of Law etc to prove the machine has been independently checked to be in a safe condition. It would not by any means be appropriate to all tractors but for high hour Users doing large amounts of roadwork, the independent verification could prove very useful in the event of a major accident. For the professional Contractor/large scale farm it could be a useful tool for management to prove machine safety if required. Have not worked out a cost for it yet, but am thinking along the lines of £100-£125/year/tractor.
One point I want to make clear is I am not proposing this as a money making venture (we will need to cover our costs) bur more as a service that helps improve safety and helps defend the farmer in the event of a serious accident.
Many people will say complete waste of time, just another piece of red tape that the cowboy element will ignore anyway and another cost. I disagree and feel if done correctly it shows a professional approach to machine management and safety and am certain in a court of law it could prove to be helpful.
Please let me know your views- Both good and bad!
Whilst considering the details of the trailer scheme I have started to wonder if we are missing a major part of the picture and should also be offering an annual tractor Safety check. This will give a certificate once per year to say that brakes,tyres,pick up hitch,lights,linkage etc have been checked and perform to a roadworthy safe standard. It would be a voluntary independent MOT that could be produced to VOSA,Insurers, Court of Law etc to prove the machine has been independently checked to be in a safe condition. It would not by any means be appropriate to all tractors but for high hour Users doing large amounts of roadwork, the independent verification could prove very useful in the event of a major accident. For the professional Contractor/large scale farm it could be a useful tool for management to prove machine safety if required. Have not worked out a cost for it yet, but am thinking along the lines of £100-£125/year/tractor.
One point I want to make clear is I am not proposing this as a money making venture (we will need to cover our costs) bur more as a service that helps improve safety and helps defend the farmer in the event of a serious accident.
Many people will say complete waste of time, just another piece of red tape that the cowboy element will ignore anyway and another cost. I disagree and feel if done correctly it shows a professional approach to machine management and safety and am certain in a court of law it could prove to be helpful.
Please let me know your views- Both good and bad!
