Quads or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are involved in a high number of farm accidents annually. The health and safety village at Sheep 2018 Farm to Fork included a practical demonstration detailing the important safety procedures drivers should follow.

The demonstration was given by Pat Reilly from the FRS training division. Pat started by highlighting the benefits that quads can deliver while also highlighting the significant safety concerns that face drivers.

“A quad is a mighty addition as a tool for livestock, spreading fertiliser or a mobility tool. But, like any machine, if you use it in the wrong context or manner, the results can be fatal," said Pat.

Safety considerations

Pat highlighted four main safety considerations. The first of these is becoming aware of the centre of gravity and taking measures to ensure it is balanced.

“If we take this machine, the tank of water is 100kg, I’m 80kg and you may have 30kg of weight on the front. That’s over 200kg of a load and that weight makes it [the quad] top-heavy and increases the risk of it toppling over.”

He highlight that manufacturers' guidelines advise drivers to be an active operator on the quad.

“What do they mean by an active operator? That 80kg I have, I’m going to have to use it and push my body to the uphill side of the machine [if driving up a slope]. A lot of people who use quads are elderly and may have wear and tear and sit straight up. This only serves to push the weight downhill and increase the risk of the quad turning over.”

Quads are a useful aid, but present health and safety risks if not managed correctly.

Balance the machine

Pat advised that a similar tactic of using your bodyweight to balance the vehicle should be taken when travelling up or downhill. “When travelling up a hill, with your knees bent, push your weight over the handle bars and, likewise, push your weight back to the rear when travelling downhill."

Wear a helmet

Another vital safety component is always wearing a helmet when travelling on a quad.

“Broken arms or legs can all recover, but the head is much more serious. There is a lot of head injuries with quads and quads should never be driven without a helmet.”

Farm safety code of practice

The final component highlighted was the importance of completing the farm safety code of practice risk assessment document.

The assessment is a legal requirement that Pat says is very useful in getting farmers to critically assess and identify risk factors on their farm.