Utility Vehicle (UTV) use on the farm is very common because of their ability to carry supplies in the cargo bed.
Nearly every farm has a 4-wheeler or utility vehicle used to assist with farm activities. Keep safety in mind when operating these vehicles.
Often times the Personal Protective Equipment used by operators of 4-wheelers or utility vehicles is less than what is suggested by the manufacturer. Accidents happen, so you should be prepared at all times for the unexpected.
ATV injuries and fatalities on farms and ranches are widespread and increasing. NIOSH identified 2,090 ATV injuries and 321 ATV fatalities between 2003 and 2011, with three out of five of the occupational deaths occurring in agriculture. The majority of these ATV incidents result from:
- Loss of control of the vehicle
- ATV rollovers
- Operators being thrown from the vehicle
- ATVs colliding with a tree or other obstacles
- Operators not wearing a helmet or other protective equipment
- Inexperienced operator
If you ask an owner of an ATV if they’ve ever had an “incident”, if they are honest, they likely have had a time when something happened. Hopefully it was only a minor incident and there were no broken bones or more serious injuries. For more information on ATV safety, operation, laws and trainings, read the Penn State Extension article on The Safe Use of ATVs in Agriculture. Slow down and be safe!