Farmers urged to complete training ahead of new quad bike regulations

The safe use of quad bikes and other farm vehicles and machinery will be a key focus of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

It comes as farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in Ireland, with 191 fatalities recorded on Irish farms nationwide during the past decade. So far this year, there has been 7 work-related farming fatalities.

Vehicles and machinery are involved in the highest number of farm fatalities in Ireland. In the past ten years, they accounted for 52% of all farm deaths and 8% of all injuries on farms.

As part of the HSA’s efforts to reduce this number, new regulations for the safe use of quad bikes in Ireland are being introduced this November.

The new regulations, which come into effect on November 20th, include the introduction of compulsory helmet wearing and training for all quad bike operators. This new quad bike law is the first of its kind in EU.

Welcoming the HSA’s work in promoting farm vehicle safety, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond said, “I am delighted to support the HSA and the Farm Safety Partnership Advisory Committee's work towards safer use of farm machinery.

"The new quad bike regulations coming this November and indeed the ongoing promotion of the safe use of all machinery on farms is crucial and will only benefit Irish farmers, their families and their businesses. The need for wearing the correct helmet and receiving training in quad bike operation is vital, to prevent people losing their lives and indeed being seriously injured in quad bike incidents.”

The HSA’s stand at the National Ploughing Championships will this year focus on the importance of these new safety regulations and will include a demonstration area which will showcase the safe use of quad bikes and other farm vehicles, such as tractors.

The stand will also offer advice and guidance on the new regulations and how to undergo training in advance of the November deadline.

The HSA stand will also feature information and guidance on farm vehicle and machinery safety, as well as information and guidance on working with livestock.