Courtesy of Scott Anderson

September 18th – 24th was National Farm Safety and Health Week. At the farm. In the tractor. Or on the road. Injuries or fatalities can be one accident away. Operating farm equipment can be a high risk scenario.

With agriculture ranked as one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S., safety on farms and ranches is of the utmost concern. And even more important on Texas roadways.

Data from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) shows accidents involving farm equipment on rural and urban roads has shown slight increases since 2011—up from 197 accidents in 2011 to 233 in 2015.

In 2011, 146 accidents happened on rural roads, while 51 took place on urban roads. In 2015, there were 170 accidents on rural roadways and 63 on urban roads.

The numbers from TxDOT include only farm equipment—combines, tractors, shredders, etc. Accidents are more routinely found on rural roads, because farm equipment is more common in those areas. Tractors and other ag equipment are very common on roads in our area.

The numbers for the nation are staggering. The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates 15,000 collisions involving farm vehicles occur on U.S. roadways each year.

Coming around a sharp turn or topping a steep hill can bring drivers up on slow-moving vehicles like farm equipment.

Sometimes it’s too late to stop.

Even if you have the right-of-way, it’s important to keep an eye out for others.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, only 19 percent of Americans live in rural areas, but about 55 percent of highway deaths occur on roads that are considered rural.

ATVs were first introduced in the U.S. for agricultural use in the early 1980s. Over the past thirty years, ATVs have grown increasingly popular recreationally and have become a valuable asset in various work settings. With more than 10 million in use, it is important to know the hazards associated with ATVs and how to operate them safely.

Recommended Practices for the Safe Use of ATVs at Work

For Employers:

• Provide helmet and eye protection for workers and encourage the use of other personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Identify and mark hazards such as excavations, trenches, and guy wires that might be present in specific work environments, so they are easily seen and avoided by workers on the job site.
• Establish operating and maintenance policies that follow manufacturer’s terrain guidelines, specified hauling and towing capacity, and passenger restrictions.
• Provide employees access to hands-on training by an ATV Safety Institute instructor or a similarly qualified instructor.
• Share responsibility with employees on the practices detailed below.

For Employees:

• Wear PPE including a helmet, eye-protection, long pants, and sturdy boots.
• Participate in hands-on training in the safe handling and operation of an ATV.
• Conduct a pre-ride inspection of tires, brakes, headlights, etc., and follow employer’s maintenance polices for upkeep of the ATV.
• Understand how implements and attachments may affect the stability and handling of the ATV.
• Never exceed the manufacturer’s specified hauling and towing capacity or weight limits and ensure cargo is balanced, secured, and loaded on provided racks.
• Be aware of potential hazards such as trees, ruts, rocks, streams and gullies, and follow posted hazard warnings.
• Drive at speeds safe for weather and terrain and never operate ATVs on surfaces not designed for ATVs such as paved roads and highways.
• Never permit passengers on the ATV, unless the ATV has an additional seat specifically designed to carry them.
• Never operate an ATV while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not allow children to ride or drive an ATV designed for adult operators.