Farmers across Wales are being urged to take all-terrain vehicle (ATV) safety seriously as part of a new campaign aimed at reducing deaths and injuries on farms.

The Wales Farm Safety Partnership (WFSP) has launched a major initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of ATVs and to push for a shift in culture around safety practices.

“Far too many accidents on Welsh farms involve ATVs, often with devastating consequences,” said 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.”

ATVs are widely used in farming, but they continue to be linked to serious incidents. On average, two people die and more than 1,000 are injured each year in ATV accidents across the UK. Many of the fatalities are caused by head injuries, and most of those who die are not wearing helmets.

“These are not just numbers; they represent lives lost and families devastated,” Ms Jones added.

“It’s a simple, life-saving measure that must become standard practice.”

The WFSP’s campaign combines education, training and community outreach in an effort to embed safety as standard practice on Welsh farms. Key actions include:

• Targeted education on safe ATV operation, proper maintenance, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as helmets.

• Access to accredited training courses to ensure ATV users are equipped with the right skills.

• Outreach efforts through social media, workshops and direct engagement with farming communities.

“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,” said Ms Jones.