December 2009 Management Minute
by Chris Reinhardt, feedlot specialist
Everybody likes ATVs–except perhaps OSHA. Let’s face it, these things are both useful and fun. But there very traits which make them fun also make them potentially dangerous. The good news is that there are some very specific, common-sense ways to minimize (although not totally eliminate) the hazards.
OSHA data (www.osha.gov/dts/shib/shib080306.html) indicate that of the 113 and 1,625 workplace ATV fatalities and injuries between 1992 and 2001, all could be attributed to one or more of the following causes:
- Unbalanced or excessive loads
- Excessive speed for given terrain
- Operating on paved roads
- Lack of protective helmet
- Lack of proper training
- Carrying a passenger
As we look through this list, and consider the ATV as a workplace tool, and consider our conscious efforts to develop a “Culture of Safety” in our workplace, we should see great potential to manage risk. Which item on the list cannot be controlled by the operator? Which cannot be trained and encouraged, if not controlled, by management?
- They make vehicles designed to carry heavy/awkward loads; they’re called pickups. But if the ATV is required to carry loads much of the time, consider replacing the ATV with a longer, wider, more stable replacement side-by-side vehicle with a cargo bed.
- Slow down: the job will be there when you get there. These vehicles are not designed for high speed; the high center of gravity makes them very easy to roll over. They are designed for low-speed maneuverability on rough terrain where traction is minimal. What works well for one purpose (by design) is very unsuitable for the other purpose (by design).
- Stay off paved roads. Why? The smooth surface encourages excessive speed (see #2); the paved surface provides excellent traction beyond that of dirt, grass, or gravel, so in the event of a quick direction change, rollover is likely; other larger, faster, 4-wheeled vehicles occupy paved surfaces and may not see or yield for the ATV—a deadly scenario.
- Wear a helmet. This one should be so obvious as to not need explanation, but it isn’t. If you roll an ATV, your head will give, the ground won’t—every time. Physics is not in your favor on this one.
- Train ALL personnel (extensively, repeatedly, ongoing) on ATV use. Note: Accidents don’t occur because someone doesn’t know how to make the ATV go; the accidents happen if we don’t know how to stop.
- Don’t carry passengers. Again, there are vehicles designed for this purpose: called pickups. Or the aforementioned cargo-oriented ATVs with a bench seat.
ATVs have become a mainstay in production agriculture; common sense, safe use, and training will ensure that they are a tool in our toolbox for a long time to come.
For more information, contact Chris at 785-532-1672 or cdr3@ksu.edu.
