Lambing Season leads to Quad Bike Safety Warning
As the lambing season approaches, potentially one of the busiest times of the year for using quad bikes, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is urging farmers to make sure that they wear a safety helmet when using the machines which are also known as ATVs or “all terrain vehicles”.
HSE Principal Inspector of Agriculture Cheryl Anthony said:
"Quad bikes are an essential part of farm life, particularly on upland farms. During lambing when farmers and shepherds are regularly out in the fields keeping an eye on their flocks, the temptation can be there to just hop on to the quad bike without stopping to take the time to put on a safety helmet. I would urge quad bike users to make sure they have a properly fitting helmet, to check that it's in good condition, and keep it with the bike so it's to hand whenever the vehicle is needed. Fitting a helmet before you drive off takes only a moment, and could save your life, or keep you out of a wheelchair. It is, of course, illegal not to wear a safety helmet when using a quad bike for work and employers must provide helmets for their employees.
"Over a ten year period between 1996 and 2006, 23 people died at work on quad bikes and 17 of those involved head injuries where the victim was wearing no head protection. That illustrates the very real risk to farmers and is why we want to remind people of the need to ensure they are properly protected."
Miss Anthony continued: "In addition, everyone who uses quad bikes at work should have proper training in the safe handling of the bike, for example by attending a Lantra training course. The Health and Safety at Work legislation doesn’t cover leisure use, but the risks are just the same, and if it were my family I would want them to be trained. High profile casualties such as Ozzy Ozbourne and Rik Mayall illustrate the dangers of quad bike use, and the importance of training and helmets to help minimise risk of serious injury. An acceptable helmet can be bought for around £30, and a range of designs is available."
Source: HSE Website 31/3/08
