labor lawAdivision of labor law center

Many employees have questions about a Pennsylvania Worker Safety Alert issued recently that concerns accidents involving All-Terrain Vehicles. As you may already know, ATVs are increasingly being used in industry.

Are All-Terrain Vehicles involved in many workplace accidents? Accidents involving All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs) have risen steadily in the workplace since 1992. Accidents in the workplace involving ATVs resulted in 113 deaths in only 9 years. In fact, all of the ATVs accidents during that time span total 1625, so it’s important employers realize the risks and take precautions to prevent accidents. ATV accidents in the workplace are on the rise and may soon equal the number of accidents that happen during recreational use.

The reason ATVs have been involved in so many accidents is because they handle differently than a car. Although they look cute, ATVs actually can be difficult to handle under some circumstances. When workers drive ATVs up steep inclines or take corners too sharply, the ATVs can flip, possibly injuring the driver.

Another reason drivers encounter problems when operating ATVs is that they overload the vehicle or try to carry passengers. ATVs have limits as to how much cargo they can carry. When this limit is exceeded, the vehicle can become unstable. Moreover, ATVs are designed to be driven by a single person, and passengers should not be allowed on the vehicle.

To prevent or reduce ATV accidents in the workplace, employers should start by making certain workers always wear helmets. Next, the workers who will be driving ATVs should receive training on the proper way to drive and handle these vehicles. Finally, the workers should follow the weight guidelines established by the manufacturer. Workers also should understand that passengers should never be allowed on the vehicle.

Employers can take steps to reduce or prevent ATV accidents in the workplace. The first step should be to have all ATV drivers wear helmets. In addition, these drivers should be trained on the proper use of these all-terrain vehicles. Only the driver should be allowed on the vehicles. Finally, the weight limitations calculated by the manufacturer should be followed to help ensure worker safety.

Last 10 posts by Amelia

• COBRA Subsidy Extended Again - March 5th, 2010
• New York Uniform, Meals and Lodging Rules - February 10th, 2010
• New York Non-Exempt Employee Rules - February 3rd, 2010
• New York Tipped Minimum Wage is $4.75 - January 27th, 2010
• Oklahoma Direct Deposit - January 20th, 2010
• 2010 Minimum Wage Recap - January 1st, 2010
• Vermont Minimum Wage 2010 is $8.06 - December 30th, 2009
• New GINA Regulations - December 23rd, 2009
• Kansas 2010 Minimum Wage Increases to $7.25 - December 9th, 2009
• 2010 Washington Minimum Wage is $8.55 - December 2nd, 2009