Two thirds of Scottish farms fail on quad bike safety

Date:

24 June 2010

Release No:

SCO/150/10

Almost two thirds (62 per cent) of Scottish farms visited in an intensive inspection initiative were found not to be using All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), such as quad bikes, safely.

The figures were released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) today (Thursday 24 June) - the opening day of the Royal Highland Show - following inspector visits to 58 farms over a two-week period earlier this month.

36 improvement notices were issued - 25 for using ATVs without appropriate training, 10 for a lack of suitable head protection and one for poor maintenance.

Left to right: Paul Stollard, HSE Director, Scotland and Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland

On average, two people die and over 1,000 are injured in ATV accidents each year. Three agricultural workers died in incidents involving ATVs in Scotland in the four years up to 2008/09 - the latest official statistics available (see Notes to editors).

Visiting HSE's stand at the Royal Highland Show, Michael Moore MP and Secretary of State for Scotland said: "These results should act as a sharp shock for the agricultural industry. Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous ways to make a living in Britain and farmers must do more to protect themselves and their workers. Many incidents involving ATVs, like so many other farming-related incidents that can result in death or injury, are easily preventable if simple measures are taken."

Paul Stollard said: "Every year people die or are seriously injured in accidents involving quad bikes. These disappointing results of the inspection initiative show that many farmers still aren't taking the risks seriously. At least they now have the opportunity to put things right.

"Transport-related incidents are the second biggest cause of fatalities in agriculture in Scotland. Wearing a helmet, or checking your vehicle's tyre pressure, brakes and throttle before each ATV ride costs just minutes, whereas failing to do so could cost lives."

Left to right: Paul Stollard, HSE Director, Scotland and Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland

Scott Walker, Policy Director for NFU Scotland said "There is one simple thing that anyone who uses a quadbike must remember - wear a helmet. Many of the quad bike injuries that occur each year could be avoided if a helmet was worn. It is also vitally important to ensure that bikes are maintained and serviced so that they are fit for the work they do around the farm.

"Employers also need to remember that quad bikes have become an everyday work tool on many farms. 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."

HSE will be attending the Royal Highland Show to give essential advice and guidance on safety at work and encourage farmers to 'Make the Promise' to come home safe.

To date, more than 2100 Scottish farmers have made their pledge as part of a wider programme of activity in the agricultural sector to help reduce the numbers of people killed or injured on farms.

HSE's stand will feature the stories of farmers who have been killed or injured during the course of their work. Visitors will be able to make their promise, pick up Promise Knots - a visual reminder of their pledge, and children will be able to make Promise Knot key rings on which they can write a message to their loved ones.

With almost three-quarters of farmers aware of the campaign, 'Make the Promise' is increasingly being adopted by the farming community and it already has strong support from the NFU and the National Federation of Young Farmers Clubs.

Notes to editors

1. Geographical areas covered in the inspection initiative include: Borders, Stirlingshire, Clackmannanshire, Perthshire and East Lothian. Sutherland, Highlands, Dumfriesshire, Angus.
2. Training is essential to reducing the risks of accidents when using quad bikes. Under the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER), 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.
3. Working in agriculture remains one of the most dangerous ways to make a living. It accounts for around one in five work-related deaths every year, although only 1.5 per cent of the working population is employed in the sector. The latest official statistics available for workplace fatalities and major injuries are for 2008/09. Provisional fatal statistics for 2009/10 are released on 30 June. Visit www.hse.gov.uk/statisitics
4. Inspectors can issue -
   1. A prohibition notice is served where there is immediate danger and the work must stop immediately, while the issue is resolved.
   2. An improvement notice that sets a timeframe for a particular situation to be resolved, but work can continue.
5. HSE enforcement policy is available http://www.hse.gov.uk/enforce/index.htm
6. For more information on 'Make the promise' visit www.hse.gov.uk/makethepromise
7. HSE produces health and safety guidance for farmers, organizes free health and safety awareness days, provides information and advice through farm visits, by telephone and at agriculture shows. It also monitors the health and safety performance of the industry and, where necessary, takes enforcement action against employers who endanger lives.9. The Health and Safety Executive is Britain's national regulator for workplace health and safety. It aims to reduce work-related death, injury and ill health. It does so through research, information and advice; promoting training; new or revised regulations and codes of practice; and working with local authority partners by inspection, investigation and enforcement. www.hse.gov.uk

Press enquiries

Regional reporters should call the appropriate Regional News Network press office.

Issued by COI News and PR Scotland