SAFETY TIP:

All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) Safety On the Job

ATVs were first introduced in the U.S. for agricultural use in the early 1980s. Since then, ATVs have become valuable assets in many workplaces. ATVs are commonly used by workers in construction, emergency medical response, search and rescue, land management and surveying, pipeline maintenance, farming and forestry. With more than 10 million in use, it is important to know the hazards associated with ATVs and how to operate them safely. ATVs have a high center of gravity and a relatively narrow wheelbase, which can make them challenging to operate safely. Here are some tips from NIOSH on precautions employers and employees can take to prevent injury and use ATVs safely in the workplace: Employers:

Provide hands-on training by a qualified ATV instructor

Provide an ATV-approved helmet and eye-protection

Encourage employees to wear relevant PPE and protective clothing, such as gloves, long shirts and pants, and work boots

Identify and mark hazards such as excavations, trenches and guy wires so they can be seen and avoided

Establish and enforce operating policies that follow manufacturers' terrain guidelines, hauling and towing capacities and passenger restrictions

Follow manufacturer's maintenance recommendations

Post trail safety signs to identify sharp turns, narrow trails and other hazards along commonly used ATV routes

Employees:

Always wear an approved helmet and eye protection

Participate in hands-on training on safe ATV handling and operation

Wear protective clothing appropriate to your work: long shirt, pants, gloves, boots, etc.

Conduct a pre-ride inspection of tires, brakes, headlights, etc.

Understand how trailers, implements and attachments can affect stability and handling

Ensure cargo is balanced, secured and loaded only on approved racks

Never exceed manufacturer's hauling, towing or weight limits

Follow posted hazard warnings, and watch for hazards such as excavations, guy wires, ruts and rocks

Drive at speeds safe for weather and terrain conditions See ATV Safety Resources on page 2

ATV Safety Resources:

Safe Manitoba has produced a 40-page booklet on ATV safety for agricultural workers. It provides in-depth information on ATVs, including selecting an appropriate model, special features, protective gear, inspections, and an extensive section on operation. It's a great guide for anyone using or thinking about using ATVs in the workplace.

Download an ATV Safety Fact Sheet from NIOSH here (pdf)

Download the ATV Safety for Agricultural Workers booklet here (pdf)

Browse Trail Safety signs at ComplianceSigns.com Get Social With Us:

ComplianceSigns, Inc. - 56 S. Main Street, Chadwick, IL 61014

800-578-1245 www.ComplianceSigns.com