Kilkenny farmers urged to complete training ahead of new quad bike regulations

The safe use of quad bikes and other farm vehicles and machinery was a key focus of the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

It comes as farming continues to be one of the most dangerous sectors in Ireland, with 191 fatalities recorded on Irish farms nationwide during the past decade. So far this year, there has been seven work-related farming fatalities.

Farm Fatalities
Vehicles and machinery are involved in the highest number of farm fatalities in Ireland. In the past 10 years, they accounted for 52% of all farm deaths and 8% of all injuries on farms.
As part of the HSA’s efforts to reduce this number, new regulations for the safe use of quad bikes in Ireland are being introduced.

Kilkenny councillors call for more garda enforcement of speeding drivers

Enforcement and driver responsibility needed to reduce speed on roads

The new regulations, which come into effect on November 20th, include the introduction of compulsory helmet wearing and training for all quad bike operators. This new quad bike law is the first of its kind in EU.

“The new quad bike regulations coming this November and indeed the ongoing promotion of the safe use of all machinery on farms is crucial and will only benefit Irish farmers, their families and their businesses,” said Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Neale Richmond.

“The need for wearing the correct helmet and receiving training in quad bike operation is vital, to prevent people losing their lives and indeed being seriously injured in quad bike incidents.”
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon added: “Working to promote the safe use of all farm vehicles and machinery is crucial in preventing any further fatalities or injuries on Irish farms. I would urge everyone working on farms to engage with the HSA and these training programmes, particularly on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery.”

Kilkenny-based Beotanics wins Crop Technology Award at Enterprise Ireland’s Innovation Arena

Ploughing Championships
The HSA’s stand at the National Ploughing Championships will focus on the importance of these new safety regulations and will include a demonstration area to showcase the safe use of quad bikes and other farm vehicles, such as tractors.

The stand will also offer advice and guidance on the new regulations and how to undergo training in advance of the November deadline.
“More farmers are now aware of the importance of health and safety on their farms but it must continue to be a top priority – as it can, and will save lives,” said Chief Executive Officer of the HSA, Conor O’Brien.
“Of the 191 fatalities on farms in Ireland over the past decade (2013 – 2022), 21 were aged under 18 years old.

Plans for large self-storage facility in Kilkenny

“This drives home the need for appropriate procedures to be put in place to protect everyone in a workplace, be they employees, contractors, or visitors and family members on farms. Proper risk assessments and health and safety considerations must be implemented in all workplaces, including farms, to ensure everyone’s safety. Because no job is worth a loss of life, injury or illness,” he added.

Risk Assessment
The HSA’s free online farm risk assessment tool farmsafely.com, has recorded an increase in registrations, now with over 16,500 registered users.
The HSA stand will also feature information and guidance on farm vehicle and machinery safety, as well as information and guidance on working with livestock. Farmers’ health checks will be available from the Irish Heart Foundation and Embrace FARM will be on the stand to support those affected by farm fatalities and serious injury.