Derogation agreed for tractor vibration rules.(European Parliment delays planned rules)(Brief...

EU farmers will have to invest in new technology over the next five years to reduce the possible health-damaging vibrations associated with using tractors and other farm machinery.

The European Parliament this week voted to give the agricultural sector a five-year derogation from new rules which are to be introduced to reduce health risks from vibrating machinery.

The rules will not apply to the agriculture sector pending the formulation of more conclusive scientific proof to draw a link between vibrations and the risk of long term injury like back pain.