Farm Safety Week: Can-Am launches quad bike safety guidance
© Can-Am Can-Am quad bike and off-road vehicle manufacturer BRP has launched a new responsible riding charter during Farm Safety Week (18-22 July) to encourage the industry to rethink how it approaches rider safety.
The charter is designed to help educate farmers and others who use a quad bike or side-by-side vehicle (SSV), through 12 safety steps.
See also: Boots and Heels: Farm Safety Week 2022 – Part One
The steps include wearing the correct protective equipment, including a helmet, and keeping up to date with training courses as well as regular inspection and maintenance of the machinery.
James Dalke, BRP commercial manager, said: “The aim of the charter is to provide users with easy to remember tips and advice that spark conversations about responsible riding, whether at work or at home.
“These conversations will, in turn, help users ensure they are as safe as they can be when out on the land and riding on trails.”
Figures released this week by the Health and Safety Executive show that two people were killed by ATVs and one person by a 4×4 on British farms between April 2021 and March 2022.
Read the Quad bike responsible rider charter here
Farm Safety Week support
In support of Farm Safety Week, the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) has shared tips and resources to help farm workers manage musculoskeletal disorders such as damage to nerves, tendons or joints, as well as looking after mental health and wellbeing.
The occupational health toolkit is free for farmers to access.
Tina Morgan, chair of IOSH’s rural industries group, said: “Farm Safety Week 2022 is an important week for everyone involved in agriculture, health, safety and welfare.
“This year is the 10th anniversary and yet we are still talking about the same type of accident as we were 10 years ago, but we must never give up sharing our knowledge, resources and expertise to help those who want to make the change.”