Causes of accidents with post-drivers and their remedies.

An investigation was carried out into the causes of accidents to farm workers operating post-driver fencing machines. The approach included analysis of HSE accident reports plus observation of post-drivers in action followed by discussions with the operators. A number of causes of accidents were highlighted, the main ones being the need to hold the post and poor communication between the man operating the controls and the man on the ground manipulating the post. A number of recommendations are made for improvements both to machine design and working practices.