UK HSE actually managed to stop the supply of semi-automatic quick hitches to UK. See extract from HSE’s email bulletin below. See my earlier post and HSE’s website (below) for additional information.
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1. ++ CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TAKES ACTION ON SEMI-AUTOMATIC QUICK HITCHES ++
HSE has confirmed that European manufacturers have voluntarily agreed to cease supply of semi-automatic quick hitches into the UK. The agreement comes after discussions between HSE and industry following four fatal incidents in the twelve month period between December 2006 and November 2007. The agreement is effective as of 1 October 2008.
* The agreement will mean that in the future when buying a quick hitch only manual or automatic quick hitches will be available.
* This does not mean that all semi automatic hitches will be illegal as of 1 October 2008. When used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions semi automatic quick hitches can still be used safely.
Further information – http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/safehitch.htm?ebul=cons/oct08&cr=02