CL-October 2024 - 10

FARM LIFE
Fall is ATV Time
Precaution is the key to fun and safety
by Nicole Zema, Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
A
ll-terrain vehicles are essential for many
farm chores, and many landowners
enjoy riding them recreationally.
" But they also pose serious hazards
to operators, " says Curt Porterfi eld,
training coordinator for Virginia Tech
Environmental Health and Safety. " Th ese
vehicles, based on their size, can be a lot
more powerful than people anticipate.
Th eir weight and speed make it easy for an
individual to lose control. "
Porterfi eld says the Occupational Safety and
Health Administration reports that 500 people die in
the U.S., and another 100,000 are seriously injured while
operating ATVs every year. OSHA also found that between
2003 and 2013, there were 2,090 injuries and 321 deaths
because of occupational use of ATVs - with 60% of
ATV-related fatalities occurring in agriculture.
Farmers and others using ATVs should keep some critical
safety tips in mind.
Matt Nuckols, Virginia Farm Bureau's safety coordinator,
says selecting properly sized personal protective equipment
is crucial for any ATV activity - work or play.
" ATVs are a popular way to explore nature and experience
the outdoors, " he says. " In addition to modern, well-fi tting
protective gear, it's important that riders read their owner's
manual thoroughly, to know the vehicle's hazards and
limitations. "
Porterfi eld adds that safely enjoying ATVs comes down
to four simple rules:
1. Wear your helmet.
2. Know your terrain.
3. Control your speed.
4. Avoid steep slopes.
PREVENT ROLLOVERS
Rollovers are the most common types of ATV incident,
Porterfi eld explained, oſt en occurring in hilly areas. On steep
terrain, is it better to go up, or sideways?
" It doesn't matter, " Porterfi eld says. " Just limit it to 15
degrees. If not, it's better to go sideways and be able to lean
8 * Cooperative Living * October 2024
and reduce rollover risk. Know how to fi ght
the gravity. "
Of 129 ATV rollover events analyzed by
researchers for the Traffi c Injury Prevention journal, side
rolls represented 47% of rollovers, with rear rolls at 44%, and
forward rolls at 9%.
" I personally know several people who have died in ATV
overturns, and asphyxiation from the weight of the machine
on that person's chest is ultimately what took their life, "
Porterfi eld says.
Th e risk for ATV overturns increases when the center
of gravity shiſt s, he explains.
" Th ink about what adding a sprayer does. It moves the
center of gravity toward the rear. Just 10 gallons is an extra
80 pounds of weight in the back. "
CONSIDER ROPS
Depending on the machine, ATV manufacturers may
off er optional rollover protection systems.
" Th ey're not required, but recommended, " Porterfi eld says.
He still hears plenty of excuses for not using ROPS. " ROPS
will hinder the load, " Porterfi eld has heard farmers say. " But
there's no excuse that's going to bring someone back from
a serious workplace injury or fatality. "
ATV SAFETY 101
Scan this QR code or visit ehs.vt.edu/farmsafety to view
and print Virginia Tech Environmental
Health and Safety's ATV pre-ride checklist
and see other safety resources. Learn more
about Virginia Farm Bureau safety resources
at vafb .com/safety.
*
co-opliving.com
http://ehs.vt.edu/farmsafety http://chs.vt.edu/farmsafety http://http:// http://www.co-opliving.com
CL-October 2024

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