Here’s a scenario many of us may find familiar – you and your partner arrive at the start of the deactivated road between you and your day’s work. You turn the truck around, get out, stretch your limbs, look in the back of the truck, and . . .
“Susan, I thought we put the ramps in here! “
“We did. We put them in right after we loaded the quads. Maybe I didn’t tie them in properly, and they bounced out at the 52 km cattle guard.”
“The crew is expecting us first thing this morning, so I’m not going back! Let’s wrestle the quads off the truck. We can find the ramps on the way home.”
“I don’t know, Tim. Let’s stop and think about this for a minute.”
Every year, forestry workers suffer abrasions and bruises, strains and sprains, and very serious injuries while operating ATVs. Injuries, property damage and lost time caused by improperly loading or unloading of ATVs can be just as serious as the results of ATV crashes and rollovers. Consider the tips below. Invest a few minutes to set yourself up for successful field days or recreation.
Choosing the Right Equipment
Selecting a Loading / Unloading Site
Loading and Unloading
With the right gear in the right location, you are set up for success. By applying the right techniques – a little patience, a double-check system, a well-balanced stance, gentle throttle application and covering the brakes as you enter and leave the deck – loading and unloading goes off like clockwork.
Unlike the “stars” of many “ATV fail” videos, wear your helmet when loading and unloading. Use suitable footwear (i.e. - caulk boots provide no traction on a metal deck), gloves and eyewear. Use 3-point contact when entering and exiting the deck.
Check out the good ideas in these links:
Loading and Unloading An ATV | Using ATV Loading Ramps |
Side Load ATV Trailers |
ATV Towing and Loading |
Winch-Assist Loading |
Securing Your Load
Effective preparation will help avoid mistakes; a patient attitude will avoid turning minor slip-ups into upset conditions. “Yeah, you’re right Susan. There’s no sense in turning “a little bit late” into a disaster. I’ll radio the crew and let them know we’ll be an hour late while you get us turned around.” |
WSCA ATV Training – workplace-oriented training course outline
ATV Safety Alert – recent ATV mishap in BC Interior
Canada Safety Council – information about “train the trainer” sessions
Quad Riders ATV Association of BC – listing of local BC instructors
ATV Safety Institute (US) – gear tips, riding techniques and skills development exercises
WorkSafeBC – ATV / UTV Checklist< – regulatory requirements for BC workplace ATV use.
File attachments |
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aom_jun2014_ATV.pdf |