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David Crawford believes that wearing a helmet is shown to significantly reduce the severity of impact and potential trauma to the head in ATV accidents.
Recent media releases from Worksafe and ACC, picked up by media outlets, focused on workplace incidents on farms from the use of quad bikes – or All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs).
The story quoted figures stating, “ACC received 566 claims from people injured on a quad bike in 2020, down from 963 a decade ago.” Figures from WorkSafe show that in the decade from January 2011 to January 2021, there were 75 ‘vehicle incident’ fatalities in the agriculture sector.
However, data on its website doesn’t segment different vehicle types, making it impossible to understand whether ATVs, motorbikes, tractors, or another farm vehicle were involved.
Following an Official Information Act request, ACC provided data that shows fatalities are evenly spread across a range of farm vehicles. The on-farm fatality rate from ATV’s no higher than other vehicles. However, when it comes to prevention, ACC appears fixated on one measure above all other safety actions – Crush Protection Devices (CPDs).
In fact, to enhance the uptake of CPDs since July 2019, ACC has subsidised the purchase cost by providing $180 per unit for up to two ROP units.
With such a great offer, one would expect there to have been a significant rush to fit CPDs. However, my understanding is that take up of the subsidy has been minimal at best.
I believe there are better, more accessible alternatives, which could be implemented first and more likely to achieve much better outcomes.
Intrigued to find out whether there was a subsidy available for the purchase of helmets, I put the question to ACC. Its answer was “No!”
Surely wearing a helmet would be at the top of its safety list? Time and again, helmets have shown to significantly reduce the severity of impact and potential trauma to the head. They also lessen the overall cost of medical care compared to those in an accident without one.
WorkSafe’s own literature on ‘Safe Use of Quad Bikes’ states as the Number One rule, “Riders must be trained/experienced enough to do the job”. ACC recognises the value of training for improved safety outcomes in the Ride Forever Programme for motorcyclists.
That program has been completed by tens of thousands of riders, with a more than 30% measurable reduction in serious injuries and fatalities for riders, compared to those who haven’t undertaken the course. From an operational standpoint, I urge ATV riders to exercise common sense, minimise distractions. They must also ensure children don’t use a machine designed to be operated by adults.
ATVs need be used appropriately, by approved users who have received training, know what they are doing and always wear a helmet. Donning a helmet should become second nature, a muscle-memory habit, just like reaching for a seatbelt when you get into a car.
Alongside ensuring ATVs, along with all farm vehicles, are well maintained.
These steps are likely to lead to far better safety outcomes compared to the fitment of CPDs.
David Crawford is chief executive of the Motor Industry Association.
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With the biannual Italian EIMA machinery Expo less than a month away, Case IH has taken out a Technical Evolution award for the Advanced Vehicle Suspension system available on its Optum 360–440 series tractors.
The Advanced Vehicle Suspension system, available on Optum 360, 390, and 440 models, responds to changing conditions, automatically adjusting how the suspension reacts to absorbs shocks and controlling vehicle movement.
In operation, sensors monitor the vibrations transmitted from the tractor chassis to the operator cabin, allowing the system to adjust suspension damping in real time. The control system incorporates key priorities, such as comfort at lower speeds and stability as speed increases, while also reacting to factors such as lower tyre pressures, where the tyres absorb more of the initial shock.
Case IH said as suspension requirements change throughout the working day, as tractors move between the paddock and road transport, the system manages suspension response in the background as tasks, speeds and conditions change, leaving the operator without the need to make manual adjustments.
Richard Hollins, Optum series tractors global product manager, said: “Pioneering technology must earn its place in the working day. Farmers and contractors will judge an investment by what it delivers, including manageable ownership costs, dependable up-time and the versatility to tackle different jobs. With AVS, we are putting intelligent control to work for comfort and stability, without giving the operator another setting to manage.”
Organised by FederUnacoma, the Italian Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers Federation, the contest has been part of EIMA since 1986, with the Technical Evolution distinction awarded to products that introduce original improvements to solutions already manufactured or patented.
www.caseih.com
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