Campaign reminds farmers how to stay safe when using ATVs

#RideSmartFarmSafe is a joint campaign from NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, the Ulster Farmers Union, and the Welsh Farm Safety Partnership and has been backed by HSE.

Annual statistics show that ATVs remain one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities within agriculture in Great Britain.

Last year, seven people lost their lives in an incident involving an ATV, two of whom were children according to HSE statistics. In the past five years, 21 lives have been lost in agriculture due to ATV-related incidents, with on average four deaths per year.

In the past five years, 21 lives have been lost in agriculture due to ATV-related incidents. Photograph: iStock

Wayne Owen, HM Inspector of Health and Safety (Agriculture) at HSE, welcomed the campaign and said: “The number of people killed while using ATVs in recent years are a stark reality and highlight the critical need for proper training, the use of safety equipment like helmets, having a well-maintained vehicle, and adhering to safe riding practices.

“Prioritising ATV safety can help prevent avoidable fatalities and protect the lives of those working in agriculture.”

The campaign was launched for Farm Safety Week (21-25 July), a regular fixture which sees the industry raising awareness on key safety topics and championing good work.

#RideSmartFarmSafe four key messages

A – always wear a helmet

T – training

V – vehicle and maintenance checks

S – single rider

Take a 3 minute farm safety survey for the NFU - open until 4 August:
https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/farm-safety-survey/