New Quad Bike Law Is ‘First Of It’s Kind’ In The EU

The new quad bike law is due to come into effect on November 20.

The new quad bike law due to come into effect on November 20 is “the first of its kind” in the EU, according to the Health and Safety Authority (HSA). 

The safe use of quad bikes and other farm vehicles and machinery is a key focus of the 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 have been seven work-related farming fatalities.

Vehicles and machinery are involved in the highest number of farm fatalities in Ireland. In the past 10 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 20, 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 the EU, the HSA said.

Ploughing

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

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

According to HSA chief executive Conor O’Brien, more farmers are now aware of the importance of health and safety on their farms, but it must continue to be a top priority.

“Unfortunately, we have seen work-related fatalities happening to victims from all age groups. Of the 191 fatalities on farms in Ireland over the past decade (2013 – 2022), 21 were aged under 18 years old,” Mr O’Brien said. 

“This drives home the need for appropriate procedures to be put in place to protect everyone in a workplace, be they employees, contractors, or visitors and family members on farms”. 

“Proper risk assessments and health and safety considerations must be implemented in all workplaces, including farms, to ensure everyone’s safety. No job is worth a loss of life, injury, or illness.”

HSA senior inspector Pat Griffin told the Irish Examiner that while farmers use a huge amount of machinery on their farm, “the shocking reality though is the quad bike is the most dangerous piece of machinery that you have”.

“It’s hugely useful, they’re very simple to operate, but they’re also very simple to overturn,” Mr Griffin said.

(Source – Irish Examiner – Farming – Kathleen O Sullivan – 20/09/2023)