Farm Vehicle Safety: Simple Steps That Save Lives

When someone dies from a farm accident there's almost always a farm vehicle involved. But there are some simple things you can do to help you go home safely at the end of the day.

Choose the right vehicle for the jobi

The right vehicle is the safest one, it may not be the one that's most convenient.

To choose the safest vehicle you need to think about:

• whether you plan to take people with you
• whether you need to carry a load
• what the terrain on the farm is like and what the weather is doing
• whether you need to tow something
• what other jobs might come up.

Remember, the right vehicle yesterday might not be the right one today.

Make sure it's up to the job

Your vehicle supplier and the owner's manual will tell you what needs to be maintained and when.

Before starting a task with a vehicle that you haven't used in a while, or has been used by someone else, you should check it to make sure:

• it has fuel, oil and coolant
• the tyres are the correct pressure and have enough tread
• wheel nuts are firmly secured
• the brakes work
• any active safety system, such as traction control, is operational
• there's no rust that affects the safety of the vehicle
• the engine is clean
• the lights work and are clean
• the steering isn't loose.

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Make sure the driver is up to the job

Don't use a farm vehicle if you:

• are not familiar with the vehicle or have not been trained to use it
• don't think the vehicle is the best for the task
• have been drinking, taking drugs or are on medication that makes you sleepy
• are fatigued.

There are farm vehicle training courses run by providers in most parts of New Zealand. Formal training courses are the best option to learn techniques to safely operate a farm vehicle. Get training and have regular refresher training to avoid developing bad habits.

Safe Use of Quads

Before using the quad, make sure it's the best vehicle for the job - not in terms of convenience, but in terms of safety. The table in this document may help you choose the safest vehicle for the job.

Safely riding a quad isn't intuitive, you need to learn how to ride them safely using active riding. Make sure you are physically able to ride actively.

Helmets need to fit well, be securely fastened and be in good condition.

The tyres on quads aren't designed to be used on sealed road surfaces or paved areas. If they are, the handling and control of the vehicle can be seriously affected. If you must go on these areas, carefully read and follow the manufactuer's advice in the owner's manual.

Safety First:

To be safe when using farm vehicles you need to:

• choose the right vehicle for the job
• make sure the vehicle is up to the job 
• make sure the driver is up to the job
• read the vehicle owner's manual
• wear a seatbelt, if one is fitted - on and off the farm
• wear a helmet when required
• watch where you are going.

Article - WorkSafe