The National Farmers Union has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of safety on quad bikes (ATVs) by highlighting simple steps to help reduce the likelihood of an accident.
News
Campaign reminds farmers how to stay safe when using ATVs
By
on 31 July 2025
#RideSmartFarmSafe is a joint campaign from NFU Cymru, NFU Scotland, the Ulster Farmers Union, and the Welsh Farm Safety Partnership and has been backed by HSE.
Annual statistics show that ATVs remain one of the leading causes of work-related fatalities within agriculture in Great Britain.
Last year, seven people lost their lives in an incident involving an ATV, two of whom were children according to HSE statistics. In the past five years, 21 lives have been lost in agriculture due to ATV-related incidents, with on average four deaths per year.
In the past five years, 21 lives have been lost in agriculture due to ATV-related incidents. Photograph: iStock
Wayne Owen, HM Inspector of Health and Safety (Agriculture) at HSE, welcomed the campaign and said: “The number of people killed while using ATVs in recent years are a stark reality and highlight the critical need for proper training, the use of safety equipment like helmets, having a well-maintained vehicle, and adhering to safe riding practices.
“Prioritising ATV safety can help prevent avoidable fatalities and protect the lives of those working in agriculture.”
The campaign was launched for Farm Safety Week (21-25 July), a regular fixture which sees the industry raising awareness on key safety topics and championing good work.
#RideSmartFarmSafe four key messages
A – always wear a helmet
T – training
V – vehicle and maintenance checks
S – single rider
Take a 3 minute farm safety survey for the NFU - open until 4 August:
https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/farm-safety-survey/
NEWS
‘Everyone should have PPE that fits’: BSI trails new inclusive PPE standard
By Belinda Liversedge on 21 August 2025
The British Standards Institution has published a white paper calling for inclusive PPE as a basic requirement for safe and compliant workplaces.
HSE take over criminal investigation into death of Gogglebox star
By Belinda Liversedge on 21 August 2025
HSE has formally taken over the criminal investigation into the death of George Gilbey, the Gogglebox star who died last year in a fall from height.
Maximum temperature law closer to reality under Bill amendment
By Belinda Liversedge on 21 August 2025
A Green Party peer has called for a new amendment in the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill requiring the government to publish a review of the impact of high temperatures on workplace health and safety.