Acres Insurance is encouraging all farmers and contractors to check operator licences as harvest continues across the country.
“While not restricted to the busy harvest period, this is the point where we see more bodies on farm, and indeed more machinery and farm vehicles in operation,” says Acres Insurance Brokers director Georgie Spencer.
“One area that is often overlooked is ensuring staff operating machinery and agricultural vehicles hold the correct licences and qualifications,” she continues.
She explains that not all driving qualifications are equal. While in the UK, you automatically gain a category F tractor licence when you pass your car driving test, this is not universal.
“This is not always the case throughout Europe, so if employing seasonal staff from European countries, it is important not to assume anything. Check driving licences, as well of course as the right to work in the UK. Failure to do so could mean any insurance cover would be void,” she adds.
Some farm machinery has different requirements as well, with weight and speed restrictions based on the type of vehicle and the age of the operator. Tracked vehicles, for example, require a category H licence.
“Many farm businesses recruit seasonal workers who are under the age of 25. When recruiting young workers who will be responsible for driving tractors and other farm vehicles, it is important to be aware of age restrictions and any limitations on your insurance,” says Georgie.
Policy holders must advise their insurers of any drivers under the age of 25.
“While ‘Any Authorised Licensed Driver’ is covered under the Agricultural Vehicle section of your policy, meaning drivers over the age of 17 with the correct licenses are covered when driving tractors, not all policies cover young drivers when driving commercial vehicles, and certain large pieces of machinery, such as combines, also have restrictions,” she explains.
Tracked vehicles will also need to be added to the license. “A key priority should also be to make sure any existing motoring convictions by any employees operating agricultural vehicles or machinery are listed on insurance policies.”
While insurers do not require the name of every driver on the policy, operators from outside of the UK will need to provide their licence, regardless of age.
“Regardless of age, we recommend that you conduct a simple driver competency assessment on all seasonal staff. Make sure this is recorded and signed by the employee,” she continues.
“This demonstrates to HSE that you have taken reasonable precautions, and will hopefully flag up any potential training gaps or areas that need to be addressed. We would advise policy holders to have a fully logged training record for all staff, especially temporary harvest workers.”