labor lawAdivision of labor law center

With All - Terrain Vehicles, being used more and more in industry, it was perhaps, only a matter of time before tragedy struck. Many employers are happy to use t0he vehicles in industry, but do not realize that with no training in the use of ATVs, or safety precautions in place, that serious injury or death can occur.

It was a tragic accident that instigated this Arkansas OSHA alert.

Yet it was an accident that could have been prevented with some thought and training. ATVs are a source of quick transport across rough terrain, and are often used to carry cargo or modified to pull machinery.

Employers need to know that when you use what is primarily a recreational vehicle for industrial purposes, the outcome can be tragic. These vehicles are used for recreation by adults and children, and it may be this false sense of security that can lead to carelessness on the side of both employer and worker.

Employers need to take responsibility for providing adequate training on the use of ATVs for their workers. Also, both employer and worker need to understand how to operate the vehicle properly and according to the manufacture’s instruction manual. This includes only using the vehicle for the purpose it was designed for.

ATVs can become unstable when carrying cargo, or if they have been modified, by, for example, having extra machinery attached to the back of the vehicle.

This was the case of a tragic ATV related accident involving a worker who was spraying crops with herbicide. The sprayer was attached to the back of the ATV, and when it was driven uphill, it became unstable and the front wheels lifted off the ground. The worker tried to shift her weight in an attempt to stop the ATV from overturning. The vehicle turned over, and the worker was crushed when she attempted to jump clear, and died.

With recreational ATV related injuries topping 136,100, employers need to do all that they can to ensure the safety of their workers when ATVs are used in industry.

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• Colorado Reduces Minimum Wage in 2010 - November 20th, 2009
• New Law Expands FMLA and NDAA for Military Families - October 30th, 2009
• California Approves Exempt Salary Reduction - October 16th, 2009
• 3 New Illinois Laws - October 9th, 2009
• New Definition of Disability - September 25th, 2009
• E-Verify Regulations - September 18th, 2009
• New USERRA Regulations - September 2nd, 2009
• E-Verify News - August 26th, 2009
• New Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Law - August 19th, 2009
• Louisiana Minimum Wage - August 3rd, 2009