ATV's: Work smart. Ride safe.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

National Farm Safety & Health Week is an annual promotion for the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety commemorating the hard work, diligence and sacrifices of our nations' farmers and ranchers. The 2010 event marks the 67th consecutive signing of a proclamation by a US President, beginning with FDR in 1944.

"ATV's -- Work Smart. Ride Safe." is the theme for September 19-25, 2010. Please keep your safety and those around you in mind when operating and ATV.

Every year, there are more all-terrain vehicles in operation and the operators cover a wider range in age and ability. The U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission (CPSC) reports 410 deaths related to ATV use in 2008 and estimates over 135,000 injuries treated in emergency rooms across the United States. The 2008 data has not been finalized but is potentially a decrease from previous years.

The CPSC also reports that Kansas had 116 reported deaths from 1982-2008, 32 of which were children.

Like other activities involving high speeds and heavy machinery, riding an ATV can be risky. To help stay safe, follow common sense safety tips. Take knowledge to the extreme and learn more about these important tips for safer riding: become trained, wear a helmet, do not allow children on adult sized ATVs, and do not ride tandem, on pavement or under the influence.

OSHA data indicates that all the workplace ATV fatalities and injuries between 1992 and 2001 could be attributed to one or more of the following causes: unbalanced or excessive loads, excessive speed for given terrain, operating on paved roads, lack of protective helmet, lack of proper training, and carrying a passenger.

Many serious or even fatal injuries to ATV operators and riders could be prevented if certain rules were followed. Please take the time to discuss ATV safety with your families and employees.

Editor's Note: Delta George is a K-State Research and Extension agriculture and 4-H extension agent assigned to Bourbon County. She may be reached at (620) 223-3720.