15 July 2025
The Wales Farm Safety Partnership (WFSP) is launching a comprehensive and urgent campaign:
This vital initiative calls upon farmers across Wales to drastically improve their safety practices when operating All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs). Emphasising that safety is not just a recommendation, but an essential, non-negotiable component of daily farm work, the WFSP and its partners are rolling out an array of initiatives designed to educate and empower the agricultural community.
"Far too many accidents on Welsh farms involve ATVs, often with devastating consequences," says Meleri Jones, WFSP Coordinator. "Working hand-in-hand with our partners, we are making ATV safety our absolute priority this year, with a concerted effort to reach every farmer, every family, and every young person involved in agriculture. The statistics paint a stark picture, and it's a reality we must confront head-on."
"These are not just numbers; they represent lives lost and families devastated," stresses Meleri Jones. “It's a simple, life-saving measure that must become standard practice."
On average, two people die and over 1,000 are injured annually in ATV accidents across the UK. Tragically, HSE statistics reveal that many ATV fatalities have been caused by head injuries. The majority, if not all, ATV fatalities on GB farms are to persons not wearing a helmet.
WFSP's Multi-pronged Approach to Enhanced ATV Safety:
The WFSP, alongside its dedicated partners, is committed to seeing a significant reduction in ATV-related incidents on Welsh farms. To achieve this, the partnership is deploying a comprehensive strategy, combining:
- Targeted Education: Providing clear, accessible information on safe ATV operation, maintenance, and the critical importance of appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- Practical Training: Facilitating access to accredited ATV training courses to ensure operators have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle these powerful machines safely.
- Innovative Outreach: Utilising various platforms, including social media, workshops, and direct engagement with farming communities, to disseminate vital safety messages.
"We believe that by combining robust education with practical training and continuous reinforcement, we can embed a strong culture of ATV safety throughout the Welsh agricultural sector," concludes Meleri Jones. "It's about making safety an instinct, not an afterthought, and ensuring that every farmer returns home safely to their family at the end of each day."
The WFSP urges all farmers and agricultural workers in Wales to heed this critical message: Prioritise ATV safety. It is not just a recommendation; it's essential for your life, your livelihood, and the future of Welsh agriculture.
