Reminder on safe use of all-terrain vehicles
Issue Date: - Wednesday, 8 April 2009
WorkSafe has issued a reminder on the safe use of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) following an investigation into the death of a farm worker who was thrown from an ATV in November.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that, in addition to the death in November, several other incidents had taken place in WA, prompting the reminder.
“The worker who was tragically killed in November was thrown from the ATV he was riding after colliding with a wire gate across a road,” Ms Lyhne said.
“Unfortunately he was not wearing a helmet at the time, and the wire gate he struck would have been very difficult to see.
“The man was also working alone at the time, and was not found until co-workers came across him the morning after the collision took place.
“Employers have a responsibility to provide a safe work environment, and the circumstances of this incident suggest that reminders are due in several areas.”
ATVs should always be maintained and operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, particularly in regard to safety aspects.
Employers should ensure that these vehicles are safely maintained and used and that employees operating them are adequately trained and provided with appropriate protective gear.
Employers and workers should read and understand the vehicle’s manual, know the meaning of all the warning labels and be familiar with the capabilities of the ATV.
“This is also a good time to remind farmers of the necessity of increasing the visibility of wire fences and gates, even if that means simply attaching something to the wires to ensure the gate or fence can be seen more readily,” Ms Lyhne said.
“It’s also absolutely essential that an approved motorcycle helmet be worn at all times when operating an ATV, and eye protection is also advisable.
“WorkSafe has had many discussions with suppliers of ATVs over recent years, and we believe this communication has had a beneficial effect.
“Suppliers have been very co-operative, with many now providing operator training at the time of purchasing an ATV, some supplying helmets as part of the purchase price and excellent information being provided on the suppliers’ websites.
“The operation of ATVs requires instruction, supervision, training and the use of protective gear, and it is essential that employers provide these things and that employees make use of them.”
Further information on ATVs – including a recent Safety and Health Alert – can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.