With five deaths linked to quad bike accidents since April this year, the National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is highlighting the dangers with a hard-hitting campaign.
In a follow-up to its #WearItandShareIt campaign, which saw the NAAC inviting social media users to post photos of themselves wearing a helmet, the association’s latest campaign asks why anyone would choose not to wear a helmet
The NAAC highlights the fact that deaths linked to a sit-astride ATVs (quad bikes) have become “the most significant cause of deaths involving moving vehicles in our industry”, and points out that other “serious and life-changing incidents” happening all the time.
With some in the industry still reluctant to wear a helmet despite the risks, the NAAC is asking why anyone would choose not to do so or would send a worker or family member out on a job without a helmet knowing that the risks involved could be reduced by wearing one.
NAAC chief executive Jill Hewitt said: “We have seen an increase in quad bike deaths this year and it baffles me how our industry still considers this is a risk worth taking.
“Whether on flat or sloping land, incidents can always happen, and we need to be clear that it is a legal requirement to wear a helmet at work. More important though, if you wear a helmet, you are more likely to survive if you come off.”
The Health and Safety Executive has confirmed that, following an incident in which someone was not wearing a helmet, that fact would be a key part of the investigation and could result in enforcement, including prosecution. Enforcement action will also be taken if an inspector sees someone working on farm without a helmet on.
As well as wearing a helmet, the NAAC has stressed that it is important to ensure anyone riding an ATV is competent and trained to handle the machine. The NAAC offers a discount on helmets to its members.
