FARMERS in Herefordshire can expect a visit from a health and safety inspector next week to check whether they are taking proper safety precautions at work.

The blitz will be made by a team of ten inspectors from the Health and Safety Executive who will be conducting field checks and yard inspections as part of a programme aimed at reducing the toll of accidents and ill-health in the agricultural sector.

The inspectors will be paying particular attention to workplace transport, manual handling, especially of livestock, and working at heights.

They will also look at the safety of children on the site and the use of plant and equipment.

Dr Phil Smith, principal inspector, said: "These checks are being made to ensure that adequate safety precautions are taken by farmers."

The visits were particularly aimed at those who, although invited, were unable to attend the safety awareness day held at Holme Lacy College, Hereford, last October.

"Although inspectors will offer help and advice, they will not hesitate in dealing with any matter of evident concern which could affect the safety or workers or any other person."