New Safety Guidelines For Farm Use Of ATVs

Six people were killed last year in work related farm accidents involving farm quads (ATVs). Even more people, mainly children were killed in non-worked related ATV accidents on farms.

In recognition of this national problem the Agricultural Industry have today released, for public comment, a working draft of a new Guideline entitled "Safe use of ATVs on New Zealand Farms".

Proposals within the guide range from age restrictions, carriage of passengers and the wearing of helmets.

The guidelines have been produced by the Agricultural Industry Focus* group which includes a wide range of industry representatives including Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand, Young Farmers, Deer and Farm Forestry Representatives, Unions, MAF, ACC and OSH.

The group recognises that ATV’s are a significant source of death and injury on farms and other off-road situations.

These guidelines have been designed as an important step to reducing the high death and injury rate involving ATVs on farms.

“OSH and ACC supports this initiative as part of the process which will in due course determine the best practice use of ATV’s on farms.

The working draft Guidelines make a number of recommendations, including:

* As a general rule, a young person (under the age of 15 years) should not ride a farm-sized ATV.

* As a general rule passengers should not be carried on an ATV

* Until such time as there is evidence to the contrary farmers should have the right to choose whether or not they fit ROPS to their ATVs.

* Helmets and Appropriate Protect Clothing and Footwear should be worn by ATV riders and passengers.

* Education, Training and Supervision are an important component of any strategy to reduce death and injury rates. Financial incentives should be provided to encourage uptake of training opportunities

The guidelines have been released for public comment with the objective of producing a final version at the end of next year. For a copy of the guidelines or for further information contact one of the Agricultural Industry Group members

Media Enquires:

Colin Bull National Board Federated Farmers 025 826 936

Gavin Forrest General Policy Manager - Federated Farmers (06) 366 8415

John Wallaart Programme Manager Injury Prevention ACC (04) 918 7851

Madeleine Setchell, Business Adviser-Public Relations, OSH, Wellington. Tel 04 915 4390 Mobile 025 463 538

* * The "Agricultural Industry Focus Group" comprising Federated Farmers of NZ (Inc), Young Farmers' Clubs, Rural Women New Zealand, NZ Deer Farmers' Association, NZ Game Industry Board, NZ Farm Forestry Association, Agricultural Industry Training Organisation (AgITO), Central Amalgamated Workers Union, the CTU, MAF Policy, OSH, and ACC.

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