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HSA to focus on ATV and tractor safety

With the impending introduction of new laws regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and quad bikes, and as farm vehicles continue to be involved in the vast majority of farm fatalities, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) will be focusing on safety around these machines, at at the National Ploughing Championships (the Ploughing).

Over the last 10 years (2013- 2022) there have been 10 fatalities in agriculture involving quad bikes and 46 involving tractors.

In the first half of 2023 (up to and including June 30), there have been seven fatalities on Irish farms with three of these fatalities involving farm vehicles.

According to Pat Griffin, senior inspector, HSA, the Ploughing presents a significant opportunity for the HSA to meet and engage with farmers, farm families and the farming community on critical farm health and safety issues. Agriculture continues to be the sector experiencing the highest levels of workplace injury and fatal incidents with 191 farm fatalities in the last 10 years (2013-2022). Farmers and farm families are encouraged visit the stand to learn more about how risk around farm vehicles can be managed and how serious injury and death can be prevented.

NEW RULES

New safety regulations on quad bikes and ATVs, which include compulsory helmet wearing and certified training for operators will be explained, demonstrated and promoted at the HSA stand. The HSA’s outdoor demonstration area will showcase the safe use of quad bikes and have advice and guidance available on the new regulations and on how farmers can become compliant in advance of the November 20 2023 deadline.
The demonstration area will show the:

  • Various types of quad bikes/ATVs that are used on farms;
  • Appropriate quad bike/ATV size selection;
  • Maintenance requirements for ATVs;
  • The safe use of attachments;
  • Critical body positioning to ensure operator control of the quad on all terrain; and
  • Visibility issues around tractors.

These live demos will be live-streamed onto a large screen in the outdoor area of the HSA stand and simultaneously onto a smaller screen within the marquee. The demonstration of the safe use of quad bikes and safety around tractors will be happening on the hour at the HSA stand.

The HSA stand will also feature livestock safety, information on the Farm Safety Code of Practice, farmer health checks with the Irish Heart Foundation, and Embrace Farm will also be there to support those affected by farm injury and fatality. Copies of publications on these specific topics will be freely available at the HSA stand or can be downloaded from www.hsa.ie. The Safe Use of Quad Bikes (ATVs) in Agriculture and Forestry information sheet is available to download on the HSA website.

View other Ploughing 2023 news