AGRICULTURAL inspectors have spoken of their shock at grim findings brought to light during a sheep dipping blitz in the region.

Out of 157 farms visited in random checks, experts from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found 76 that were still dipping sheep with dangerous chemicals, instead of other methods of pest and disease control.

It was necessary to serve 55 of those with prohibition notices relating to unsatisfactory conditions and provisions.

The outcome of the blitz was revealed as the HSE launched European Week for Safety and Health, in Newcastle, yesterday.

Farmers have blamed sheep dips for mood swings, memory loss, muscle aches, lack of concentration and character changes.

HSE principal agricultural inspector Mel Raine said yesterday: "Given all the publicity there has been about the risks from contamination with sheep dip, this is a far from satisfactory situation."

He said one of the most worrying aspects of the inspection blitz was the number of identified risks to children.

Thirty improvement notices were served, requiring covers to dipping tanks, which would protect young children from drowning if they fell in.

He said: "It is irresponsible and dangerous to leave tanks uncovered.

"The child safety records on farms in the North-East has been good for the past ten years, so unearthing such potential for danger causes me great concern."

Meanwhile, bosses of construction companies were urged by the HSE to give greater attention to the risks to health of their workers.

HSE principal inspector of construction Bill McKay said: "Examples of what can be done to improve the working environment include the use of construction techniques which avoid manually handling heavy blocks and concrete."