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Learn seven steps to improve ATV safety

A farmer standing on an ATV while overlooking a flock of sheep.
Published 7/8/2025 by Ellis Brasch

Oregon OSHA investigated 10 incidents involving all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) between 2015 and 2024. Most of those incidents happened in farm settings – but they could happen in any setting, including construction, general industry, and forestry. Class I and Class IV ATVs were involved, five of the ATV operators were severely injured, and five died. All of the incidents happened for reasons that are responsible for most other ATV incidents nationwide:

  • The operator lost vehicle control
  • The vehicle rolled over
  • The operator was thrown from the vehicle
  • The vehicle struck a stationary object or another vehicle
  • The operator did not wear a helmet
  • The operator was inexperienced

How could employers have prevented these incidents?

Here are seven key Oregon OSHA investigative findings that can improve ATV programs and keep employees safe.

1. Do a personal protective equipment (PPE) hazard assessment

A PPE hazard assessment is an evaluation of your workplace that helps you determine what hazards your employees are exposed to and what PPE they must use to protect themselves from those hazards.

All employers in Oregon must conduct a hazard assessment to determine if your workplace has hazards that you cannot eliminate or control without PPE.

Typical PPE for ATV operators includes a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet with a fastened chinstrap and safety goggles, over-the-ankle boots, off-road style gloves, and any other PPE recommended by the ATV manufacturer. Workers who use ATVs to transport and apply pesticides must also use the PPE required on the pesticide product’s label.

2. Train your employees

Never let your employees operate an ATV until you know they have been properly trained and can demonstrate how to operate it to do the jobs unique to your workplace.

Provide training that covers pre-ride ATV inspections, necessary PPE, the ATV’s limitations, safe operating speeds, and potential environmental hazards. Operators should also learn how to manage cargo, maintain proper body position for stability, and recognize the risks of operating the vehicle on technical terrain, including when loading or unloading an ATV from pickup trucks with portable ramps.

3. Use caution when carrying loads

Always follow the ATV manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that you are not overloading the vehicle and have secured the loads properly. Excessive weight, especially when placed high on the ATV or improperly secured, can significantly affect handling and control. Unevenly distributed loads can cause the ATV to lean or pull in one direction, making steering and control more challenging. When the load is a liquid in a tank such as a pesticide, train operators to understand how the movement of the liquid within the tank can increase ATV instability. Never carry more people than what the manufacturer intended.

4. Follow ODOT requirements when operating ATVs on public roadways

There are limited situations, such as transportation between ranching or farming headquarters, and agricultural fields or pastures, where ATVs can be operated on public roadways; however, specific requirements must first be fulfilled to do so. Details about ATV operation on roads can be found on the Oregon’s Department of Transportation (ODOT) webpage under the “Operation on Roads” section.

5. Use seat belts when they are available

Class IV ATVs (also known as “side-by-sides”) must have seats and seat belts for the operator and all passengers, and they must be used.

6. Ensure that emergency medical services will be available when needed

You must have an emergency medical plan to protect employees who will be operating ATVs in areas with limited access to medical services. Train all employees so they are familiar with the plan and their responsibilities during an emergency. Key elements of the plan should include:

  • How necessary communication will occur if cellphone service is unavailable or unreliable
  • The types of injuries and illnesses that may occur at each location
  • The availability of any local emergency medical service providers, their capacity to handle emergencies, and their likely response time
  • Whether you need to have your own qualified first-aid-trained or other medical response personnel available for an emergency
  • Whether you need to have your own first-aid supplies available

7. Have a check-in system for ATV operators who work alone

Working alone includes tasks where ATV operators do not have direct contact with their supervisors or co-workers. An effective check-in system should include:

  • The ATV operator’s name and emergency contact information
  • The ATV operator’s destination
  • What the ATV operator should do if there is a delay in reaching the destination
  • The ATV operator’s departure and return times
  • The primary means of communicating with the ATV operator, such as cellphone, satellite phone, personal locator beacon, satellite messenger, or radio
  • What to do if the ATV operator does not respond to a check-in request

Types of ATVs in Oregon

  • Class I: Includes “three-wheelers” and “quads”
  • Class II: Includes sport utility vehicles capable of cross-country travel, dune buggies, and sand rails
  • Class III: Includes off-road motorcycles
  • Class IV: Includes “side-by-sides”

Oregon OSHA investigations involving ATVs between 2015 and 2024

  1. Aug. 6, 2024, ATV rollover
  2. Aug. 24, 2022, ATV struck by motorcycle
  3. Feb. 24, 2022, ATV rollover
  4. Nov. 16, 2021, ATV struck rock
  5. March 16, 2020, ATV rollover
  6. Oct. 11, 2019, ATV struck by vehicle
  7. May 15, 2019, ATV rollover
  8. Jan. 14, 2017, ATV rollover
  9. Oct. 21, 2016, ATV struck by vehicle
  10. Jan. 1, 2015, ATV operator dies from hypothermia