Of all the deaths in farm related incidents in Ireland none have occurred while the driver was in the cab connecting an implement. In 2012 eleven people were fatally injured on Irish farms as a result of machinery accidents. Over 25% of these were preventable if a Farm Hitch had to be used.
Each year people are seriously injured involving the PTO (Power Take Off) shafts. Accidents occur when the PTO shaft is left exposed and hands or limbs are caught in the shaft causing serious bodily harm. Hands, hair and clothing can be caught by unguarded power take off shafts.
These types of accidents can be prevented using the Farm Hitch. Farm Hitch leaves no areas exposed that could injure or cause serious bodily harm whatever the situation. An unguarded PTO is a hazard. Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 says “employers must as far as is practicable, provide a working environment in which employees are not exposed to hazards”.
When working with PTO equipment you must always
- Disengage the power Drive
- Stop the tractor engine
- Ensure that controls are in neutral and the hand brake is applied
- Remove the engine key
- Wait for all movement to cease before attempting to clear any blockage and use a tool to clear the blockage
This can be a lot of work and time consuming for farmers. All this can be easily done with the Farm Hitch and can be used on any device up to a three point linkage. Save time and money and use this implement from the safety and the comfort of your seat in your tractor.