FTMTA launches new safety programme

FTMTA has developed a safety training programme, which is tailored to suit the specific needs of the agricultural machinery Industry. This training package comprises a complete set of courses that will provide those employed in the farm machinery industry with all of the necessary health and safety training needed to enable them to work competently.

The FTMTA training package will provide training and certification in manual handling and procuring a construction site Safe Pass. It will also provide training with regard to forklift, telescopic loader and tractor skills.

The entire course runs for four days; one day per month over four months. On completion participants will hold five certificates, covering all aspects and requirements of the health and safety legislation.

The introduction of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 placed strict new measures on employers and employees to ensure safety at work for all people. Employers must ensure their employees have been provided with adequate training and instruction for all risks they will encounter in their normal work practice.

Training for every situation

As the agricultural machinery industry continues to diversify, many firms are supplying machines to sectors outside of agriculture; for example the construction industry. Employers need to ensure that employees have the correct training for every situation.

Similarly, there is a requirement for employees to have certification of formal training in the operation of machines such as forklifts, teleporters and tractors; whether in a dealer's premises, on a building site or in a farmer's yard. FTMTA has developed a specific training course on tractor skills for those working with machinery in a farm machinery company.

The training programme is being offered as a complete package at a special member-only price, which results in almost a 50% saving on the standard rate. All members have been circulated with details this week.

For the first run or phase of this programme, there will be places for 20 participants - booked on a first-come first-served basis. The first training day for the Safe Pass certificate will be held at Tougher's Business Park, Naas, on February 22.

Deere tops rising German tractor market in 2005

John Deere has come out on top of the German tractor market in 2005, according to figures from the Eilbote dealer magazine. The figures show that the overall new tractor market rose by 6.2% in 2005 over 2004 levels. The total number of new tractors sold in Germany in 2005 stood at 23,506 units.

John Deere once again took the top slot with a 21% market share. Fendt was in second place with 16.8%, while Deutz-Fahr came third with an increased share of 10.1%.

Case/Steyr recorded a drop in sales and dropped back to fourth place, while Claas increased its share and moved ahead of New Holland to fifth place.