Don’t delay machinery inspections

An engineering expert is urging farmers to remain vigilant and not to delay machinery inspections during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keith Short, machinery inspection engineer at Farmers and Mercantile Insurance Brokers (FMIB), has said there is confusion within the farming community over what constitutes an ‘essential’ and ‘non-essential’ inspection during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Although emergency extensions have been granted during the COVID-19 pandemic, such as MOTs and first aid certificates, the law for Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations (LOLER) requirements remains in place.

Keith said farmers need to remember how heavily they rely on their machinery to carry out their crucial work.