Module 2: All-Terrain Vehicle Safety

All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) play a large role on today's farm.  As such, we find ATV-related injuries and fatalities to be increasing.  Overall (occupational / recreationally), an average of 500 persons die and another 100,000 are seriously injured each year while operating ATVs.  Within occupations that use ATVs, the agricultural indusrty claims 60% of ATV related fatatlities.    

There are basic safety principles apply to all ATV operations, whether used for personal or work purposes.

ATVs & State Laws

Laws regarding ATVs and their safe use vary widely from state to state.  If you are operating an ATV while employed, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides general guidance.

OSHA & ATVs

While OSHA does not have a direct regulatory requirement governing ATV safety or use by employees, the General Duty Clause 5 (a)(1) requires employers to provide a workplace free from recognized hazards likely to cause death or serious physical harm. They also provide information regarding general hazards and guidance here.

One of the biggest things to do is to read and follow the Owner’s Manual for the ATV you have.  Other reasonable steps to take include:

• Perform routine safety checks on equipment;
• Ensure all operators have appropriate training. Include supervised sessions to help operators gain experience;
• Provide appropriate personal protective equipment, and ensure it’s used properly;
• Ensure operators have correct information on load and weight limitations; and,
• Establish safe work practices for crossing roads or highways and working alone.

Recognize the Hazards of the ATV

ATV safety is largely dependent on operator behavior.  Any ATV can be unstable and pose a higher risk when operated in an unsafe manner.   

These are some common elements of serious injuries and fatalities in work-related ATV accidents.

• Speeding
• Operating the ATV on a paved road
• Not wearing a protective helmet
• Operating the ATV while overloaded or with an unbalanced load
• Carrying passengers on single rider ATVs.

Terrain can be a factor in ATV incidents. Specific terrain types or obstacles that can contribute to injury or death of an ATV operator include:

• Holes and ruts. 
• Trees, stumps or large rocks.
• Fencing and wires.
• Creeks, culverts and streams.

Rollovers are among the most common types of incident. Rollovers can be attributed to things that alter an ATVs center of gravity. 

Things that can impact the center of gravity include:

• Excessive speed while turning or on rough terrain.
• Overloading the ATV or having an unstable loads, including using unbaffled tanks.
• Altering the ATV or cargo bed configuration.

Rollovers are often the result of riding on hilly terrain. Climbing or descending grades of 15º or more is strongly discouraged by ATV manufacturers. 

Crossing side slopes is discouraged unless absolutely necessary. Most manufacturers agree that side slopes of 25º or more greatly increase rollover risk.

Operation on Paved Roads

ATVs are specifically designed for off-road use; therefore using on roadways creates an additional hazard.  ATVs are more difficult to control on pavement or concrete due to their low pressure tires, steering and suspension. 

If you have to cross a public roadway in Virginia, always cross a highway by the most direct route, and where there is good visibility for both you and vehicles using the road. 

Modifications & Attachments

Always review the Owner’s Manual for loading or pulling operations, and for the use of any attachments or modifications.

Never exceed weight limits specified in the Owner’s Manual!

Working Alone

Farm workers frequently work alone where there is no direct contact with the employer or co-workers.  This can happen when herding livestock or otherwise tending to animals, maintaining fences, or simply doing head counts. 

Evaluate the Hazards

Control the Hazards

Rollovers can be prevented by:

• Adjust your speed for turns, obstacles, and the terrain.
• Know how to operate your ATV in various types of rough terrain.
• Know your load and how it affects the center of gravity.
• Operate safely on slopes and inclines; stay within the manufacturer’s safety guidelines.
• Ensure loads are stable and secured.
• Stay within the weight limits for your ATV
• Use only manufacturer-approved accessories.

ROPS are available from a variety of manufacturers. Check with your ATV manufacturer about retrofitting a ROPS to your ATV.

Active Riding refers to the operator’s ability to make quick body weight shifts combined with acceleration and braking. Active riding is a necessary skill, allowing the operator to effectively steer and control an ATV.

Be prepared for unexpected hazards, such as uneven terrain or obstacles, and react appropriately - slow down, stop, or avoid. 

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) provides information regarding manufacturer recalls, and safety-related information.  ATV operators should always wear a motorcycle or motorsports helmet certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and/or the Snell Memorial Foundation (Snell) when operating or riding on an ATV. 

Other recommended PPE may include:

• Long pants with a long-sleeved shirt
• Over-the-ankle boots
• Gloves
• Eye and face protection

Pre-Use Inspections

Always follow the Owner’s Manual for guidance on pre-use inspections. Here's a general checklist to use for inspections if the Owner's Manual is not available for some reason. Inspections generally  include:

• Check wheels for damage, and tires for condition and proper inflation.
• Check for proper operation of the throttle, clutch and brake operation, including control cables (if cable-actuated).
• Ensure all lights and electrical systems working properly. 
• Check fuel, oil, coolant, and brake or other fluids outlined by the Owner’s Manual. 
• Check the air filter and any exhaust system.
• Check the chassis, steering and suspension systems.

Training

Operator training typically consists of three components. 

• Generalized classroom training on ATV safe operation, hazard recognition, and local laws or regulations.
• Hands-on familiarization with the unique characteristics of the machine to be operated.
• Operator practice in a controlled environment.

There are excellent, free, online training resources available through the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) at www.svia.org.

Register your ATV with the Manufacturer

Manufacturers notify the registered owner of safety recalls. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also maintains product recall information, accessible at www.cpsc.gov. 

Emergency Planning