Farm Safety Week
It’s on now, and one of key messages for farmers is mastering the use of all-terrain vehicles2014 Farm Safety Week comes to an end on July 25, and the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) is taking the time to remind Australians, and particularly those on the land, about staying safe on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) – a staple of so many farms throughout the nation.
ATVs provide many benefits for famers, allowing them to stand up for better visibility and dismount easily when performing repetitive tasks. But according to the FCAI, it’s imperative that before using an ATV, riders consider if an ATV is the right vehicle for the task at hand.
“Riders should undertaking training, read the owner’s manual and watch the safety video provided with the ATV,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber. “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".
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