NAAC asks farmers why they would not wear ATV helmet
11th October 2024
The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is asking contractors and farmers why they would not wear an ATV helmet. In a follow-up to the #WearItandShareIt campaign when the NAAC invited social media users to photos of themselves wearing a helmet, this new campaign emphasises there really are no excuses.
Shockingly, since April 2024, there have been five deaths linked to a sit-astride ATV (aka a quad bike). This is the most significant cause of deaths involving moving vehicles in our industry.
Other serious and life-changing incidents are happening all the time. Yet there is still resistance to wearing a helmet, the association said.
The NAAC is raising the question of why anyone would choose to ride a sit-astride ATV or deliberately send a worker or family member out on a job with no helmet, knowing there is a real and proven risk of loss of life, which could be reduced by using a helmet.
You’re more likely to survive if you wear a helmet
Commenting Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive, 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.”
HSE has confirmed if there is an incident and someone was not wearing a helmet, this will 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 without a helmet on the farm.
READ MORE: Six-year-old boy died in quad bike incident on farm
READ MORE: Tributes paid to Welsh farmer who died in quadbike accident
NAAC said that, of course, simply wearing a helmet will not keep everyone fully protected, and it is “vitally important” to ensure that anyone riding an ATV is competent and trained to handle the machine. Training is crucial because it covers essential active riding techniques necessary for the safe operation of the ATV.
The NAAC’s previous campaign drew support from manufacturers, and the NAAC offers a discount on helmets to its members.
The association has also been seeking further solutions to encourage everyone across the industry to wear a helmet.
Support the #IfnotWhyNot campaign on social media to help raise awareness and save lives.
READ MORE: Young shepherdess crushed to death by overloaded quad bike
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