Experience isn't enough

While many may consider that they are competent from experience, experience is very hard to measure and quantify, therefore training is the most accepted and easiest way to ensure that you are recognised as being competent.

Our Farm Safety and Transport Adviser, Sarah Batchelor, recently took part in ATV training offered by European All-Terrain Vehicle Safety Institute (EASI) and provided a commentary on the importance of training in agriculture.

Importance of training

Sarah said: "Having grown up in the farming industry, similarly to the other course attendees, we all believed that we had a relatively good level of competency when using ATVs.

"The course covered everything from vehicle maintenance to PPE and active riding. What quickly became clear during the training was that while we had some knowledge of ATVs, key information surrounding our ATVs - such as load allowances, tyre pressures, emergency procedures etc. - was not as accurate as it was by the time we finished the course.

"All attendees recognised that their levels of competency prior to the course were not as accurate as their levels of skill after completing the course. This highlights how attending training courses, be it for ATV use, tractors, telehandlers etc., is so important to fill in any gaps in your knowledge.

The course also opened our eyes to the wide variety of PPE on offer and highlighted that PPE did not have to be bulky or heavy to be effective. Regardless of if you have been working in agriculture for five months or 50 years, there is always something new to be learnt about the machines you are using, especially with the constant developments and changes to machinery. I would urge anyone offered training to take it up."

EASI provides free or subsidised ATV training courses to those who purchase new or used ATVs from most major manufacturer’s dealerships. LANTRA offers a wide range of training covering most areas requiring training in agriculture.