A recent report by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has highlighted the dangers of using quad bikes, or All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) on Scotland's farms.
The HSE carried out an intensive inspection and found that almost two thirds were not using the vehicles in a safe manner. They issued 10 improvement notices for a lack of head protection, one for poor vehicle maintenance and 25 for using ATVs without appropriate training.
Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, there is a legal requirement for employers to provide adequate training, and to ensure that only employees who have received appropriate training are permitted to ride quad bikes.
There have been three reported fatalities involving ATVs in agricultural use between 2004 – 2009. On average, two people die and over 1,000 are injured in ATV accidents each year.
Many serious injuries or deaths could be avoided by simple routine maintenance inspections, or by following simple safety guidelines such as wearing a helmet, according to Scott Walker, Policy Director for NFU Scotland. He commented: “While existing employees may be well skilled in their use, refresher courses never go amiss and it is essential that any new employee is suitably trained before being let loose on the road."
If you have suffered personal injuries due to lack of training or unsafe work equipment, contact our specialist accident compensation lawyers on 0800 0891331 and we will advise you on the first steps towards receiving the compensation you deserve on a No Win No Fee basis.
