HSA urges farmers to get ready for new quad bike regulations

November 2023 introduction of compulsory helmet wearing and training for operators.

Mandatory training and helmets will soon become a legal requirement for all quad bike users.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) stand at this year’s National Ploughing Championships is focusing on the important safety regulations around quad bikes (ATVs), which include the introduction of compulsory helmet wearing and training for operators come November 2023.

Over the last ten years (2012- 2021) there have been 11 fatalities in agriculture involving quad bikes.

The HSA have also reported one further quad bike related fatality to date this year. This is out of the 10 reported work related fatalities to date on Irish farms in 2022.

Welcoming the HSA’s work promoting the regulations on Quad Bike Safety with the farming community Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD stated: “Farming continues to be the most dangerous occupation in Ireland, with 10 people losing their lives in 2021 and 10 more so far this year. While there have been some improvements in recent fatality figures, every death is one too many, and is devastating for the families, friends and communities left behind. I would urge everyone working on farms to engage with the HSA’s guidance and look to the many supports they have available to work safer on farms, especially when it comes to operating machinery.

Speaking on behalf of the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee (FSPAC) to the HSA, Chairperson, Ciaran Roche, said: “When it comes to farm safety, it’s only when we work in collaboration that real change can happen. The partnership now sees quad bike regulations coming into effect and important new guidance for Health and Wellness of Irish Farmers. There is also new guidance on ensuring farmers can access supports and advice when working with hazardous machinery such as chainsaws."

The FSPAC are almost half way through our current Action Plan 2021-2024 and I look forward to continuing our work in delivering collaborative solutions relating to farm safety in Ireland.”

Copies of the new publications can be downloaded from www.HSA.ie