Whilst quad bikes and All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) are extremely useful on farms for many tasks, incidents involving these machines are, sadly, one of the leading causes of accidents and fatalities within agriculture.
In a recent episode of BBC’s Countryfile (watch here), presenter and farm director, Adam Henson, investigated quad bike safety on farmland, reinforcing the importance of training in their safe use.
The segment on Countryfile showed an interview with Brian Rees, a farmer and well-known farm safety expert in Wales. Brian is an agriculture safety and health instructor ensuring farm workers can maintain high safety standards. Brian has also been involved in the former Safety and Health Awareness Days programme, across England, Scotland and Wales, in conjunction with Lantra and the Health and Safety Executive.
Brian said: "With quad bikes and ATVs, there is no such thing as a safe slope on a farm.
“We are currently seeing some of the wettest weather on record, which means the ground is weak and it is challenging to ride on. The need for safe practice informed by hands-on training is critical for people working on farms.
“For many farmers, mastering the use of these incredibly versatile machines is a top priority. Lantra offers nation-wide practical training to support farmers and ensure safe working practices.
“In Wales specifically, you can apply for quad bike and ATV training, supported by Farming Connect”.
Adam Henson commented: “Agriculture has a workplace injury rate significantly higher than other sectors.
“Every farming employer has the responsibility to ensure that all persons who use or supervise those using work equipment have received adequate training for purposes of health and safety.
“Through practical training, devastating accidents can be prevented, and we can develop a workforce who have the skills to work safely and productively”.
Lantra offers nationally recognised courses to provide learners with the knowledge and skills to operate a quad bike and ATV. There’s a balanced mix of theory and practice, with new riders gaining the basic skills required to use ATVs effectively and more experienced operators being able to maximise their abilities to get the very best out of their vehicle. Further information is available here: Vehicles & Attachments – Lantra.
To find out more about funding available for ATV training in Wales, please visit Farming Connect’s website – Farming Connect Training in Wales
