ATV - Quad Bikes Safe Work Method Statement

ATVs have a high centre of gravity and relatively narrow track width creating inherent rollover susceptibility, particularly on side slopes, during sharp turns at speed, when traversing obstacles, or when carrying elevated loads on rear racks. Lateral (sideways) rollovers typically occur on slopes as low as 15 degrees when riders fail to shift body weight appropriately or when travelling across slopes rather than straight up or down. Longitudinal (forward or backward) rollovers occur when ascending or descending steep gradients, particularly if riders accelerate abruptly uphill or brake harshly downhill. When ATVs overturn, riders can be crushed beneath the vehicle weighing 250-400kg, trapped under the frame or handlebar assembly, or struck by the vehicle during tumbling on steep terrain. Without rollover protective structures, no barrier prevents the full vehicle weight impacting the rider. Risk increases significantly on wet or slippery surfaces where tyre traction is reduced, on loose surfaces such as gravel or mulch, when towing loads that alter weight distribution, and when riders operate at excessive speeds for terrain conditions.

Consequence: Fatal crushing injuries to chest and abdomen causing organ damage and internal bleeding, spinal cord injuries resulting in permanent paralysis, traumatic brain injuries from head impact with ground or vehicle components, fractured limbs from entrapment, and asphyxiation from chest compression preventing breathing.

Sudden stops from collisions, hitting concealed obstacles, or abrupt directional changes can eject riders from ATVs, causing them to be thrown forward over handlebars or sideways from the vehicle. Impact with ground, rocks, trees, or constructed features causes severe injuries. On construction sites, ejection may result in riders landing in excavations, onto stockpiles, or into traffic areas where other mobile plant operates. The absence of seatbelts (which are deliberately not fitted to ATVs due to rollover characteristics requiring rider separation from vehicle) means riders rely entirely on handlebar grip and leg bracing for retention during operation. Excessive speed, inattention to terrain, fatigue reducing reaction times, and riding beyond skill level all increase ejection risk. Hitting concealed obstacles such as tree stumps, rocks, or trenches covered by vegetation causes particularly violent ejections due to sudden deceleration.

Consequence: Severe head trauma including skull fractures and brain injuries, spinal injuries from landing on back or neck, multiple fractures to limbs and pelvis, internal organ damage from blunt force trauma, and fatalities from falls into excavations or from secondary impacts with mobile plant or structures.

Construction sites contain numerous collision hazards including excavators, trucks, graders, concrete agitators, and service vehicles operating in confined areas with limited visibility. ATV operators have restricted visibility due to vehicle positioning and may not be visible to operators of larger plant who have significant blind spots. Fixed objects including trees, posts, storage containers, site sheds, stacked materials, and temporary fencing create collision hazards particularly when ATVs operate in areas with restricted maneuvering space. Speed inappropriate for conditions, inattention to surroundings, absence of communication with other plant operators, inadequate signage or traffic management, and poor visibility during dust, rain, or low light conditions all contribute to collision risk. The minimal protective structure of ATVs provides no collision protection—riders absorb the full impact force of collisions.

Consequence: Multiple trauma from high-speed collisions including head injuries, chest trauma with rib fractures and lung damage, abdominal injuries causing internal bleeding, limb fractures, and fatalities from impacts with heavy mobile plant or fixed objects at speed.

Construction sites frequently include steep slopes on embankments, stockpiles, and partially completed earthworks. ATVs can lose traction on slopes exceeding safe operating angles (typically 15-20 degrees depending on surface conditions), causing sliding sideways down slope, spinning and rolling, or running away downhill if brakes are insufficient. Loss of control is particularly likely on wet grass slopes, loose gravel surfaces, or recently disturbed soil with poor compaction. Descending slopes requires precise brake modulation—excessive rear brake application can lock wheels causing skidding, while insufficient braking allows dangerous speed increase. Ascending slopes demands appropriate gear selection and throttle control—too much power causes rear wheel spin and loss of traction, while insufficient power causes stalling and potential backward rolling. Traversing across slopes rather than straight up or down creates maximum instability due to lateral weight transfer.

Consequence: Severe injuries or fatalities from rollovers on steep slopes causing multiple tumbles and impacts, riders crushed by vehicles rolling over them during down-slope slides, head and spinal injuries from being thrown from vehicles during loss of control, and impact injuries from collision with obstacles at bottom of slopes.

Construction sites and undeveloped landscape areas contain numerous hazards concealed by vegetation, dust, or water. Tree stumps at or just below ground level cause abrupt stops or ejection if struck at speed. Erosion gullies, drainage channels, and natural depressions hidden in long grass create sudden drop-offs causing vehicle pitch and potential ejection. Soft soil or sand pockets cause sudden deceleration and front wheel dig-in. Exposed tree roots, rocks, and construction debris create impact and rollover hazards. On sites with recent excavation or trenching, unmarked service trenches or temporary drainage may be covered by grass or fill. Water-filled depressions and soft bog areas can trap vehicles or cause loss of control. The dynamic nature of construction sites means hazards change daily as work progresses, requiring continuous reassessment rather than relying on previous site knowledge.

Consequence: Ejection injuries from sudden impacts with concealed obstacles, broken limbs from falls when vehicle encounters unexpected terrain changes, vehicle entrapment in soft ground or water requiring extraction and creating exposure to other site hazards during recovery, and potential drowning if vehicle becomes immobilised in water-filled excavations with injured rider.

ATVs commonly tow spray units, spreaders, or small trailers in landscaping applications. Towed loads alter vehicle weight distribution, increase rollover susceptibility, extend stopping distances, and affect steering responsiveness. Trailer sway during cornering or on rough terrain can cause loss of control. Excessive tow load beyond vehicle capacity creates severe instability particularly on slopes or when braking. Improper hitching can result in trailer detachment during operation creating collision hazards. Reversing with trailers requires specific skills often lacking in ATV operators. The dynamic loading from towed equipment on rough terrain creates constant weight transfer changes demanding continuous rider compensation. Towing loads uphill may exceed engine capacity causing stalling and backward rolling. Descending slopes with towed loads creates brake overload and potential runaway situations.

Consequence: Rollover injuries when towed equipment causes vehicle instability on slopes or corners, jack-knife incidents where trailer pushes vehicle sideways during braking causing rollover, collision injuries when detached trailers roll into workers or structures, and crush injuries if rider is trapped between vehicle and trailer during reversing operations.

ATV operators have limited rear and side visibility due to body positioning and lack of mirrors on many models. This creates hazards when reversing, when other vehicles approach from behind or sides, and when working in areas with pedestrian activity. Dust generation in dry conditions obscures visibility of terrain hazards, other vehicles, and pedestrians. Noise from engine and wind at speed impairs ability to hear warning signals, approaching vehicles, or shouted warnings from ground personnel. Fatigue from prolonged riding over rough terrain, sun exposure, and vibration reduces attention and lengthens reaction times. Operators focused on navigating immediate terrain may fail to maintain situational awareness of broader site activities including movement of excavators, trucks, or other plant. Inexperienced riders suffer tunnel vision focusing exclusively on immediate handlebar area rather than maintaining appropriate scanning of the broader environment.

Consequence: Collision with pedestrians, particularly during reversing operations in areas with active landscaping work, impact with approaching vehicles not observed due to limited visibility, riding into excavations or exclusion zones due to distraction, and delayed response to hazards due to fatigue reducing cognitive function and reaction speed.