LANCASHIRE farmers were today urged to ensure that safety standards are well monitored this month when inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) will be carrying out an inspection safety blitz.

In 2001-02, 41 people died in the agricultural industry nationally, including two children. Six of the fatalities were in the North West.

Previous blitzes have resulted in farmers being prosecuted, and facing potential fines of up to £20,000. In addition, HSE inspectors will also be issuing Prohibition Notices where they witness situations that present a high risk of serious injury.

Peter Lennon, HSE's principal agricultural inspector in the North West said: "Agricultural inspectors will be focusing their efforts on inspecting farms throughout the region during a concentrated inspection blitz in June and again later in the harvesting period of September and October."

Mr Lennon added: "During the inspection blitz, we will be concentrating on the priorities outlined in HSE's ongoing Revitalising Health and Safety initiative as we seek to help the area's farmers meet their obligations.

"The priorities include: falls from height, transport, child safety, machinery safety and manual handling. Inspectors will offer advice and guidance on health and safety issues that they see, though enforcement action will be taken where serious breaches of health and safety legislation are found."

Farmers wishing to discuss health or safety matters face-to-face with an HSE inspector can contact their nearest local office in either Manchester, Preston or Carlisle.