Experts call for helmets to be worn

A string of quad bike fatalities in Great Britain has prompted experts to call for more riders to wear safety helmets.

Members of the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health’s (IOSH) Rural Industries Group issued a stark warning to those working with quad bikes who are reluctant to wear head protection.

Alan Plom, from the IOSH Rural Industries Group, said: “The majority of those killed riding all terrain vehicles were not wearing a helmet at the time. Riders should always wear suitable head protection, it could mean the difference between life and death – it’s that simple.”

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) an average of two people every year are killed using all terrain vehicles (ATVs), however, in 2010/11 this figure rose to five deaths.

Alan added: “There’s no room for complacency where workers’ lives and livelihoods are concerned. Employers and their employees both need to take some responsibility for their own actions.”

Of the 23 fatal farm incidents that have been recorded by the HSE since 2002/03, 12 involved people who were not wearing any form of head protection.