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 by not wearing a helmet on a sit-astride ATV (aka a quad bike).
Shockingly, 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. Yet there is still resistance to wearing a helmet.
Jill Hewitt, NAAC Chief Executive commented: “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”
Continuing Jill said, “If you leave your helmet 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.
Remember: You must wear a helmet if you’re driving a quad bike in Northern Ireland. You can be fined up to £500 if you do not.
Please support the #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 the NAAC the proof!