MICHELIN BRINGS TYRE SAFETY REMIT TO FARM SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
Stoke-on-Trent – March 23, 2012
Michelin has become the first tyre industry representative to sign up to the Farm Safety Partnership; a major industry-led initiative which provides practical advice, training and guidance on how farming can be made safer.
Michelin will use its membership to promote increased tyre safety and to highlight the positive impact of fitting quality tyres, backed-up by professional tyre maintenance.
Mike Lawton, Commercial Director of Michelin’s agricultural division, believes that putting his Company’s name to the initiative marks a key step in Michelin’s campaign to increase safety in farming.
“Over the last decade there has been nearly one death per week on British farms, and three times as many serious injuries*.
“Our focus will be on helping to reduce the specific incidents which take place each year whereby the incorrect fitting or use of tyres leads to serious accidents. We will be working closely with the Farm Safety Partnership to better educate farmers over tyre choice and to highlight the importance of leaving tyre fitment and servicing to qualified tyre technicians,” he explains.
Welcoming Michelin to the Farm Safety Partnership, NFU Head of Policy Services, Andrew Clark says: “Michelin is a major worldwide brand synonymous with quality and safety, and we welcome both the technical and practical input they will bring.”
At the heart of Michelin’s commitment to safety lies annual investment of more than €500 million in research and development – the largest of any tyre manufacturer. This funds the development of the latest generations of tyres offering increased all-round safety, such as Michelin’s patented Ultraflex technology range.
Michelin’s nationwide network of Exelagri dealers also offers farmers and contractors the reassurance that tyres are being fitted and serviced by skilled agricultural tyre technicians who meet the high standards demanded by one of the world’s leading tyre manufacturers.
A total of 22 organisations comprise the Farm Safety Partnership, chaired by the NFU. For further information visit: http://www.nfuonline.com/safety/
*The agricultural industry accounts for 1.5 per cent of the UK’s workforce, but is responsible for 20 per cent of fatal accidents in the workplace. As a result, in 2010, agriculture became the most dangerous industry in the country, based on fatalities per worker. In addition, 455 people have died on British farms over the past decade and 1,700 people were seriously injured.
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MICHA/035/12
Michelin (www.michelin.co.uk)
Dedicated to the improvement of sustainable mobility, Michelin designs, manufactures and sells tyres for every type of vehicle, including aircraft, bicycles, cars, earthmoving machines, farm equipment, trucks and motorcycles. Michelin employs 115,000 people, has sales organisations in more than 170 countries and operates 69 production sites in 18 countries throughout five continents. The Company also publishes travel guides, hotel and restaurant guides, maps and road atlases and offers electronic mobility support services on ViaMichelin.com. Research and development is undertaken in technology centres in Asia, Europe and North America.
For further press information please contact:
Paul Cordle, Michelin Press Office
Tel: 44 (0) 1782 402341 Email: paul-m.cordle@uk.michelin.com
James Keeler, Garnett Keeler PR, Inver House, 37-39 Pound Street, Carshalton, Surrey, SM5 3PG
Tel: 44 (0)20 8647 4467 Fax: 44 (0)20 8544 4711 E-mail: james.keeler@garnettkeeler.com
PHOTO CAPTION: Michelin will use its membership to promote increased tyre safety and to highlight the positive impact of fitting quality tyres, backed-up by professional tyre maintenance.
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