This Farm Safety Week, the FCAI is reminding Australians that known safety practices and training help keep all-terrain vehicle (ATV) users safe when using their vehicles.
ATVs provide great benefits for farm owners/workers, allowing them to stand up for better visibility and dismount easily when performing repetitive tasks. That is why many farm owners/workers use ATVs regularly. It is imperative; however, that before using an ATV, farm owners/workers consider if an ATV is the right vehicle for the task at hand.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it is also important that when using an ATV, users follow known safety practices such as wearing a helmet, not using the ATV for tasks or in environments which it is not suited, and not using an ATV under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
“Riders should undertaking training, read the owner’s manual and watch the safety video provided with the ATV,” Mr Weber said.
“Users should also be conscious that many ATVs are single rider only vehicles. Carrying passengers, particularly children, even for a short distance can be dangerous.”
The FCAI stresses that children under the age of 16 must only ride specifically designed and labelled age appropriate ATVs and never be allowed to ride adult sized ATVs. Parents should always supervise young riders and ensure they only ride in areas suitable to their vehicle and skills.
For more information on ATV safety, including the ‘nine steps to stay safe’, visit the ATV Safety website at www.atvsafety.com.au
National Farm Safety Week is held each year to raise awareness of farm safety issues across Australia. The 2014 Farm Safety Week theme is “Safe Farms – Healthy Farms”.
For more information, contact:
Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
02 6229 8221 / 0458 038 555
[email protected]