labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Many employers may be unaware of a workplace hazard described in a recent Iowa worker safety alert. This warning explains that the number of workplace accidents and fatalities caused by All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) is rising. A total of 113 people died using ATVs at work during a span of 9 years. A total of 1625 people were injured in some way using an ATV at work during that same time span.

Although many people think of all-terrain vehicles as recreational vehicles, they are being used more frequently in the workplace. Law enforcement agencies, along with construction and agriculture companies, are some of the industries using ATVS in the workplace.

Although ATVs look sporty with their fat tires, they really aren’t easy to drive. They do not handle like cars and bicycles, and when used on an incline or turned sharply, they can flip over. Another problem with ATVs arises when the driver overloads it. ATVs have limited capacities when it comes to how much equipment or luggage they can carry safely. If the driver overloads the ATV, the chance of the vehicles becoming unstable on an incline increases.

To prevent injuries, workers should not overload the vehicle with either equipment or passengers. ATVs are designed for single riders, so passengers should not be allowed on the vehicles. Moreover, workers need to wear helmets to protect themselves.

Another way to reduce the number of employee injuries and fatalities is to train drivers on the correct way to operate an ATV. Although many employees have driver’s licenses and know how to correctly operate a car, an ATV is a different type of vehicle. ATVs do not handle like cars, so the drivers need special training so they can properly operate the ATV.

The Iowa worker safety alert wants employers and employees alike to understand the dangers posed by ATVs. To prevent injuries, drivers need to understand how to operate the vehicle and then follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the maximum amount of weight and riders.

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