SAFETY chiefs have warned farmers in Yorkshire to take extra care when using transport over the summer months.

Transport accounts for the largest number of fatal accidents on farms.

And two-thirds of such incidents occur between May and October.

Health and Safety Executive Inspectors visiting farms over the summer will look at transport issues.

Their campaign will focus on three elements - safe driver, safe vehicle, safe site.

Drivers must be competent for the tasks they need to do.

There are formal training courses for those operating material handling equipment and for all- terrain vehicles such as quad bikes, but few tractor drivers have received proper instruction.

This is despite the fact that tractors are involved in most fatal incidents on farms.

Agricultural vehicles are not legally required to have an MOT - even if they are being driven on the public highway - but they must still be safe.