Pennsylvania Workers' Compensation Lawyers Blog
All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are not just for fun anymore; they are being used more and more in work environments. They are becoming important tools for:
- Mineral and oil exploration
- Surveying
- Law enforcement
- Farming
- Tourism
And like any tool, proper use and maintenance is required to avoid injury and even fatalities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, there were 297 work-related ATV deaths in the United States from 1992 to 2007. Of those deaths, 75% were males age 35 and older. Sixty percent of the fatal ATV accidents occurred on farms and 20% on highways. Rollovers are the most common causes of ATV crashes.
In Pennsylvania, there have been 521 ATV fatalities (recreational and work-related) from 1982 to 2010. Some causes include:
- Carrying unbalanced loads or exceeding the load limit for the vehicles
- Not wearing a helmet
- Carring passengers
- Excessive speeds
- Riding on public roads
- Lack of training
If you are operating an ATV for work or for fun, be aware of the following tips:
- Obtain proper training on how to operate the ATV
- Know the terrain that you will be covering, specifically any embankments, excavation sites, or soft soil conditions to avoid overturning
- Always wear protetive gear such as a helmet, gloves, long sleeves, pants, and boots
- Make sure any loads that you haul do no exceed the manufacturer’s weight limit
- Look for hazards such as rocks, stumps, fences, and low-hanging branches
- Keep your hands and feet on the controls to maintain control of the vehicle
- Do not drive on paved roads