ATV Safety 101

ATV Safety 101 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ATVs were first introduced in the U.S. for agricultural use in the early 1980s. Over the past thirty years, ATVs have grown increasingly popular recreationally and more recently, have become a valuable asset at work. With more than 10 million in use, it is important to know the hazards associated with ATVs and how to operate them safely. Recommended Practices for the Safe Use of ATVs at Work For Employers: • Provide helmet and eye-protection for workers and encourage the use of other personal protective equipment (PPE). • Identify and mark – and eliminate if possible – hazards such as excavations, trenches, and guy wires that might be present in specific work environments, so they are easily seen and avoided by workers on the job site. • Establish operating and maintenance policies that follow manufacturer’s terrain guidelines, specified hauling and towing capacity, and passenger restrictions. • Provide employees access to hands-on training by an ATV Safety Institute instructor or a similarly qualified instructor. • Share responsibility with employees on the practices detailed below. In other words, practice what you preach. For Employees: • Wear PPE including a helmet, eye-protection, long pants, and sturdy boots. • Participate in hands-on training in the safe handling and operation of an ATV. • Conduct a pre-ride inspection of tires, brakes, headlights, etc., and follow employer’s maintenance polices for upkeep of the ATV. • Understand how implements and attachments may affect the stability and handling of the ATV. • Never exceed the manufacturer’s specified hauling and towing capacity or weight limits and ensure cargo is balanced, secured, and loaded on provided racks. • Be aware of potential hazards such as trees, ruts, rocks, streams and gullies, and follow posted hazard warnings. • Drive at speeds safe for weather and terrain and never operate ATVs on surfaces not designed for ATVs such as paved roads and highways. • Never permit passengers on the ATV, unless the ATV has an additional seat specifically designed to carry them. • Never operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Did You Know? ATVs have unique features that enable them to operate in harsh work environments where larger, less mobile vehicles cannot safely be used. Their oversized, deep tread, and low-pressure tires (4-5psi) and light weight (600-1000lbs) – compared to other motorized vehicles. Thier enhanced maneuverability also presents risks such as rollovers which may occur due to high center of gravity and a relatively narrow wheelbase. Below are two videos showcasing what could happen when operating an ATV. The rider needs to be properly trained BEFORE using these vehicles to prevent injuries or fatalities. ATV Safety Video: The Last Ride Off-Road Safety Documentary: Their Stories One seat, one rider! Take the ATV Safety 101 quiz to test your knowledge! Resources: • Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America: http://www.ashca.com • ATV Safety Institute: http://www.atvsafety.org/InfoSheets/ATV_Riding_Tips.pdf; https://online.svia.org/training/default.aspx • Farm Safety 4 Just Kids: http://www.fs4jk.org • National Children’s Center for Rural Agricultural Health and Safety: http://www.marshfieldclinic.org/nccrahs • National Education Center for Agricultural Safety: http://www.necasag.org • National Institute for Occupational Safety and health (NIOSH): https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ • Texas AHEC East: http://txaheceast.org/resource-center/atv-safety-the-last-ride/ Disclaimer: The facts and information listed above are merely suggestions for your safety, but are in no way a comprehensive and exhaustive list of all actions needed to insure your safety.