The start of the grouse season - the Glorious Twelfth of August - marks the beginning of a busy period for shoot managers but they are being warned not to overlook important health and safety legislation in their preparation for the new season.

It is common practice on many farms and estates for adapted agricultural trailers to be used to transport employees or visitors.

This is particularly prevalent during shoots when beaters and guns are moved around the shoot.

Over recent years, a number of serious injuries and fatalities have occurred as a direct result of accidents associated with farm trailers.

"On a basic level, the Health and Safety at Work Act requires landowners to provide a secure working environment and safe equipment for its employees and visitors.

However, there are some specific guidelines laid regarding the use of trailers and transportation of passengers that need careful consideration," explained Gerard Salvin of Lycetts Insurance Brokers.

Firstly, it is important that any tractor or towing vehicle is in effective working order, that it has any trailer securely coupled and that it is being driven in a responsible manner.

Any drivers should be responsible and have been given adequate training to ensure competence.

Under the 1997 New Drivers Act, those who passed their test in the last seven years are only permitted to drive vehicles of 3,500 kilogrammes with a 750 kilogramme trailer in tow.

Many guidelines are recommended by the Health and Safety Executive, which can be found on their website www.hse.gov.uk