Latest figures from the HSE indicate that all terrain vehicles (ATVs) were the biggest single cause of work-related fatal injury in agriculture, forestry, and fishing in 2024/25 with seven fatalities, including two children.
In response, the Farm Safety foundation, Yellow Wellies, is taking decisive action with the launch of a new initiative.
The charity is offering 100 farmers across the UK the chance to receive fully funded, industry-accredited training in the safe use of ATVs.
Delivered in partnership with Lantra, this initiative is designed to upskill agricultural workers and hopefully reduce the number of serious incidents involving ATVs on our farms.
The bursary is aimed at supporting farmers of all ages, and will fund 100 Lantra-accredited ATV training courses.
ATV
Successful applicants will be matched with the nearest available Lantra training provider to ensure accessibility and convenience.
Manager of the Farm Safety Foundation, Stephanie Berkeley said: “We know that ATVs are essential tools on many farms, but they can also be incredibly dangerous when used without proper training.
“By launching this bursary, we’re removing one of the key barriers – cost – and giving anyone working on farms the opportunity to learn how to use these machines safely and confidently.”
“We’re doing this in memory of those who have tragically lost their lives in ATV incidents, for the safety of today’s farmers and for the generations who will follow in their footsteps,” Berkeley said.
The bursary will be open to anyone currently working in agriculture or studying at a land-based college or university in the UK.
New riders will gain the knowledge of how to safely use an ATV including pre-ride inspections, checking the ATV is in good working condition, as well as health and safety checks before riding the vehicle.
More experienced operators can also benefit as the training also covers practical skills, such as basic manoeuvres, and how to use ATVs across differing and sometimes challenging terrain.
The initiative was launched as part of this week’s Farm Safety Week and complements the charity’s broader mission to reduce the number of life-changing and life-ending injuries on farms through education, innovation, and behavioural change.
