FARMERS have been warned to check the safety of their machinery - or risk the consequences of a visit by inspectors.

A recent survey of North Yorkshire by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the police indicated not all is as it should be on farmsteads in the county.

Eight prohibition orders were issued, preventing either tractors or equipment from being used until repairs were complete, while ten improvement notices were handed out, giving farmers a set time to mend machinery.

"We would, therefore, strongly advise farmers in North Yorkshire to spend time over the next few weeks making sure that their vehicles are properly maintained,'' said the HSE's principal regional inspector, Peter Dodman.

"This is also a good time to arrange any necessary training, particularly for users of fork-lift trucks, telehandlers and quad bikes. Appropriate training should be given before any untrained person uses a vehicle."

Many of the problems detected during checks in the Malton and Scarborough area in October were related to trailers, some of which had faulty brakes or no mechanism to prevent them from rolling when left unhitched.

Mr Dodman said: "Transport-related accidents account for around 35 per cent of all fatal accidents on farms and is one of the main safety areas for the industry to address.

"It is likely further targeted initiatives of this type will be carried out in future in this and other areas of the north and I would hope that all farmers will apply the lessons from this one."