AN organisation for agricultural contractors has launched a social media campaign on ATV safety.

The National Association of Agricultural Contractors (NAAC) is launching a social media campaign on ATV safety to impress the importance of wearing a helmet.

Farmers and contractors are being invited to share photos of themselves wearing a helmet with the hashtag #wearitandshareit.

The aim is to make all operators ask why anyone would put themselves, or their workers, at risk (and break the law) by not wearing a helmet on a sit-astride ATV (a quad bike).

In the last five years, ATVs were involved in 14 deaths in agriculture – the most significant cause of deaths involving moving vehicles in our industry. Many other serious and life-changing incidents are happening all the time. 

The NAAC is raising the question why anyone would choose to ride, or deliberately send a worker or family member out on a job with a sit-astride ATV, with no helmet, knowing there is a real and proven risk of loss of life, which could easily be reduced by using a helmet.

Jill Hewitt, NAAC chief executive officer said: “ATV users should take pride in wearing a helmet to protect their safety and help minimise the risk of the worst possible news being delivered to their family if an incident occurs. None of us are infallible and the NAAC wants the industry to get behind us by sharing photos of themselves wearing a helmet under #wearitandshareit.”

“It is a legal requirement to wear a helmet at work and if you leave it behind, you are more likely to suffer a serious head injury, or worse, if you come off. The NAAC is working with Logic helmets to provide a discount to members, removing any final excuses why a helmet would not be worn.”

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 farm. 

Wearing a helmet applies to the farmer, self-employed workers, employees and any other person using the farm quad. This includes children or farm visitors. Note too, that most farm quads are only suitable for people aged 16 and over - check with the manufacturer. It is illegal for any ATV to be driven for a farming activity by children under the age of 13.

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.

Please support our #WearItandShareIt campaign on social media to help raise awareness and save lives. Be proud to wear a helmet, it could save your life.

Put it on, keep putting it on, and send us the proof! For more details, see www.naac.co.uk/naac-news.