Since 1 April this year, provisional statistics (which are subject for review) show there have been six fatalities in UK agriculture owing to use of farm transport, five of these are as a result of using an ATV for agriculture, including two children. We cannot predict when incidents will occur, so it is important to put safety first when using quad bikes and ATVs to #comehomesafe.
ATV safety
Much of safety around ATV use is governed by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, within the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The act states that operators should have training in the use of the work equipment or machine and awareness of the risks associated with the use, and that appropriate PPE or preventative measures should be taken to prevent and manage reasonable hazards involved with the use of the work equipment or machine.
Wearing a helmet
Ways in which this can be achieved are by using appropriate head protection when operating an ATV, see the NFU Spada offer on protective helmets. By wearing a helmet when using quad bikes and ATVs you are protecting the most vulnerable part of your body should an incident occur.
Training opportunities
Lantra offers a wide variety of in person training opportunities, ATVEA also offers online training. Local land and agriculture colleges often provide courses on ATVs or farmers could speak to a dealer about other forms of training.
Each of the fatalities that have occurred since 1 April 2024 indicated that overturning of the ATV was a factor. Training will provide vital information on use of the ATV, especially in circumstances where risk is more likely, such as moving at speed, on slopes and over rough ground.
The law on children
The Prevention of Accidents to Children in Agriculture Regulations 1998 also apply to ATV use. These regulations stipulate that it is illegal for a child under the age of 13 to travel or operate a tractor or self-propelled agricultural machine, which includes ATVs.
When a child turns 13 parts of this regulation are lifted. The child is permitted, with appropriate training to operate a low powered ATV that is of a size suitable for a child. Some ATVs may have additional stipulations of age restrictions, such as a minimum operating age of 16 cited in the operator’s manual and often clearly visible on the ATV. Insurance providers may also put additional age restrictions on agricultural vehicle and machine use.