28/06/2010 - HSE warns over unsafe quad bike use
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued improvement notices to 36 Scottish farms after inspections found unsafe use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) such as quad bikes.
The HSE said its inspectors visited 58 farms over a two-week period and found that nearly two-thirds did not take adequate precautions when using ATVs.
Figures show that on average ATV accidents kill two people and injure more than 1,000 every year. In Scotland, three farm workers have died in such incidents in the four years to 2008-09.
Twenty-five of the farms were issued notices for using ATVs without proper training, 10 for inadequate head protection, and one for poor maintenance.
Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: "These results should act as a sharp shock for the agricultural industry. Agriculture remains one of the most dangerous ways to make a living in Britain and farmers must do more to protect themselves and their workers.
"Many incidents involving ATVs, like so many other farming-related incidents that can result in death or injury, are easily preventable if simple measures are taken."
Copyright © Press Association 2010
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