A two-week extension to the deadline for submitting expressions of interest and payment claims for PTO shaft covers has been announced by Minister of State Michael Healy-Rae.

Grant aid of up to 60% of the cost of up to four new PTO shaft covers, subject to a cap of €100/unit, can be applied for under the National Farm Safety Measure until 21 November with the extension.

PTO shaft covers must meet the quality standards set out in the terms and conditions.

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Those wishing to avail of the measure must submit an expression of interest or have their farm adviser do so before submitting a payment claim.

Condition

All farmers have been urged to check the condition of shaft covers by Minister Healy-Rae, who has responsibility for farm safety within the Department of Agriculture.

“While PTO shaft covers are relatively inexpensive, entanglement in PTO shafts has resulted in fatalities and life-changing injuries,” the minister said.

“I urge all farmers to check the PTO shaft covers on equipment, whether in use or parked up over the winter, and to replace any that are defective or missing.

“It is when we decide that taking chances with faulty or defective equipment isn’t worth the risk that we will see real improvements in safety on our farms.”